Certain conditions, among them slippery floors, cluttered aisles and potholes, have the potential to cause anyone in New Jersey to fall. Yet, when the person who falls is an older adult, the repercussions may prove far more serious than those faced by younger fall victims.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hip fractures are a frequent result of falls taken by adults ages 65 and older. In fact, falls among this age group cause an estimated 95% of hip fractures suffered by those who are at least 65.
Why Seniors Are More At-Risk
Studies show that while older adults, in general, face a higher risk of a broken hip than a younger fall victim, female older adults face an especially high chance of suffering a hip fracture in a fall. About 75% of adults who experience this type of injury in a fall are women. This may have something to do with the fact that women are more likely to have osteoporosis than men, which is a frequent factor in fall-related injuries.
What older adults might do to prevent falls
There is only so much someone might do if others neglect to keep their properties clear and safe for use. However, older adults at risk for falling may want to make changes to their own living environments to help reduce their fall risks. Installing railings or grip bars in showers or tubs is a good place to start. Making sure a home has adequate lighting is also an important aspect of fall prevention.
Older adults who experience broken hips because someone failed to keep their property in adequate shape may have grounds for a premises liability case.
