 |
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
|
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
L. Fleming Fallon, MD, PhD, DrPH, Northwest Ohio Consortium Master of Public Health Degree Program, Bowling Green State University, 234 Health Center Building, Bowling Green, OH 43403, 419-372-8316, ffallon@bgnet.bgsu.edu, J. Steven Fulks, PhD, Gerontology Program, Bowling Green State University, 231 Health Center, College of Health and Human Services, Bowling Green, OH 43403, and Adebowale Awosika-Olumo, MD, MPH, Bowling Green State University, Northwest Ohio Consortium Master of Public Health Program, 234 Health Center, Bowling Green, OH 43403.
The number and percentage of older individuals in our society has risen dramatically during the past century, necessitating increased attention being given to older individuals, and developing strategies for improving their quality of life in later life. Maintaining independence while aging a concern for individuals, families and society. Independent living in later life can become a concern as health-related issues impact on individuals.
Understanding more about types of accidents and factors associated with their causes may help in reducing the risks associated with accidents in homes. In turn, this may help individuals to maintain their independence in their own homes for as long as possible.
This presentation reports on a study of the occurrence of accidents and falls in the home. A random sample of 825 individuals living in a rural county in northwest Ohio were sent a survey questionnaire. The average age was 72 years (range of 61 to 91), with 5% aged 85 and older. Accidents were found to be commonplace in the home, reported by two-thirds of the sample. More women reported accidents than men, although the type of accident varied, with women reporting more cooking-related accidents. Individuals living alone reported fewer accidents than did those living with others. Most accidents reported by participants were minor. The majority of falls and slips occurred outside the home.
Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Aging, Safety
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.