Ohio Department of Aging
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April 2008
Health and Safety: Fear of Falling Can Be More Limiting than a Fall
Falls are the leading cause of injuries - both fatal and nonfatal - for people over age 65. Each year, an estimated one-third of older adults fall, and the likelihood of falling increases substantially as we get older. In 2006, approximately 1.8 million people over age 65 in the U.S. suffered some type of recent fall-related injury.
For many older adults, the fear of falling can be devastating - almost as much or moreso than an actual fall. Fear can lead to self-imposed activity restrictions, social isolation and depression, seriously affecting the individual's quality of life. Limited activity can lead to reduced mobility and physical fitness, in effect increasing the person's risk of falling.
Programs dealing with fall prevention, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health, among others, are available around the state. The Ohio Department of Aging evidence-based healthy aging programs include "A Matter of Balance," which is available in north-central Ohio and the Cleveland area. These programs work with older adults to promote the idea that falls are controllable. Through interactive sessions, seniors set realistic goals for increasing activity, practice exercises to improve strength, build coordination and balance and change their personal environments to reduce fall risk factors.
By learning about the importance of exercise in preventing falls and eliminating household obstacles that can cause falls, seniors gain self confidence that they can prevent falls and overcome their fears.
Call your Area Agency on Aging at 1-866-243-5678 to find programs in your community.
Ohio Department of Aging