Older Californians at Risk for Avoidable Falls

Over one-half million older Californians (565,000) fell more than once in 2007, about 25% more than in 2003. Older adults who fall multiple times are at the highest risk of future falls – the leading cause of injury among older adults. National guidelines by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and a synthesis of the scientific literature recommend reducing the risk of falling for older adults with a history of falls through an evaluation by a health professional with counseling on how to reduce falls, review medications, home modifications, exercise or physical therapy, and using a cane or walker if needed. We examine the activities that older Californians who experience multiple falls engage in as a result of their falls. New data from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey allowed examination of six recommended preventive activities after a fall. Results indicate that 70% of all older adults with multiple falls did one or more of the six recommended follow-up preventive activities and half did two or more. Recommended post-fall activities varied from 39.9% who talked with a health professional about how to prevent future falls, to 26.6% who changed their daily routines in some way. Those who engaged in falls prevention activities are more likely to be female, older, physically disabled, and report poor health status. Enhanced focus on policy and practice is essential to prevent falls, increase the quality of life, and reduce avoidable health care spending.