The Most Common Injuries In Seniors

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​The Baby Boomer generation makes up more than 22% of the total U.S. population from Charlottesville to San Diego. As the more than 73 million seniors continue to navigate their way through their retirement years, they are the most at-risk group for injury in and out of the home. 

Most seniors hold on tightly to their own independence and the ability to live on their own. However, with the heightened risk of injury with seniors living alone, the risks can be overwhelming. A natural physical and mental decline is inevitable for us all, meaning that at some point many family members try to encourage their senior relatives to give up their independent lives.

Nearly 1 in 3 seniors will end up with some sort of injury that requires medical treatment. Whether from a fall or an accident inside their homes, seniors are at greater risk of injury than any other sector of the population. Slip and fall injuries can be devastating and may require long term medical care. Seniors, along with their supporting family members, need to be aware of the most common senior injuries so they can do their part to prevent the worst from happening.

​Car Accidents

​Seniors are among the most cautious and experienced drivers on the road. However, they are also one of the largest groups to be involved in accidents. With over 44 million seniors living independently and driving on a daily basis, that poses a high risk for all drivers. Seniors are more prone to have decreased visual abilities and slower reaction times, making them more likely to be involved in a crash.

​Hip Fracture

According to a Charlottesville Personal Injury Law Office, slip and fall accidents are the number one cause of injury in seniors. As we age, our balance, sight, and strength is often diminished. This can make it very hard to navigate through the world. Uneven or slippery surfaces like waxed floors, uneven pavement, or a lack of path lighting can often be a recipe for seniors to take a tumble.

Our bone structure can become brittle as we age. Slip and falls often result in our bodies landing hard on the hip joints, causing them to fracture. The recovery from such a dramatic injury can be long and arduous and for many seniors, it can mean a total loss of independence.

Burns

Seniors that live independently are especially at risk in the kitchen. Seniors that enjoy cooking for themselves are in danger of burns or scalding injuries. As the memory fades, seniors are also more likely to leave burners or ovens on, putting them at risk.

For seniors that smoke, there is a high risk of burning or starting an unintentional fire. The risk of dangerous smoke inhalation in a house fire or the ability to be able to evacuate the home can be deadly.

Head Trauma

When seniors fall, they often don’t have the strength in their arms and wrists to help break their landing. In some cases, older seniors may not have quick enough reflexes to protect themselves from the worst impact. This often results in head injuries as the skull is unprotected during the fall. Head injuries can be anywhere from mild to life-threatening.

Although many seniors enjoy a healthy independent lifestyle, they are still at higher risk than other sectors of the population to become injured in or out of the home. Consider these common injuries and review your safety procedures today to help the seniors in your life to stay safe and injury-free.