We have all seen the video where a person trips or stumbles over something and falls. When mixed with a few good sound effects, they are often humorous. It’s OK to be able to laugh at life sometimes but falls are more often than not a life-changing event, especially for older adults.

Falls are an important health concern. They often result in injuries more severe than just a scraped, bruised body and bruised ego. Falls are the #1 cause of accidental injury and death in people age 65+. Even what seems like a simple fall can lead to a trip to the emergency room or call to 9-1-1. Bone fractures and head injuries are common. Most of us are aware of the costs associated with an ER visit and other treatments but the full cost is far-reaching.

Accidental falls kill about 158 Idahoans each year at a cost of $164 million. We can easily calculate the cost from medical bills but what about lost productivity? What about the cost to have someone who takes time off work so they can take someone to medical appointments? What if that person had to hire someone for childcare while they provided transportation or in-home care? These are just the financial impacts of a fall. It is impossible to quantify loss of functionality, independence, and quality of life.  For the 1 in 5 Idahoans who experiences a fall that results in significant injury, there is nothing funny about it.

These are certainly sobering statistics for those age 65+ but falling is not limited to older adults. They can happen to any of us.  Are you ready for some good news? All falls are preventable. Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to reduce the risk of falls. Invest the time now to learn how to reduce fall risk and become fall-free.