As an older American living in Texas, you face a higher risk of falling than those younger than you, meaning you are more susceptible to environmental hazards and other obstructions that younger people may be able to easily avoid. At Hunt & Tuegel, PLLC, we understand just how often falls are a factor in senior hospital visits, injuries and fatalities, and we have helped many older Americans who suffered because of someone else’s actions or negligence pursue appropriate recourse.
According to the National Council on Aging, slip-and-fall accidents are now responsible for more than 800,000 hospitalizations, 2.8 million injuries and 27,000 fatalities every year. Furthermore, falls are now the leading reason older Americans visit hospitals, and they are also the top cause of fatal injury among older adults. Just what is it about aging that places you at such a high risk for falling?
Regrettably, there are a number of factors that work against you to enhance your fall risk as you grow older. For starters, your vision tends to deteriorate over time, and when you cannot see well, you become more susceptible to environmental factors such as slippery floors, crowded stairwells and cluttered store aisles, among others. As you age, you probably also move around less, and a reduction in physical activity can also make you more prone to falling by affecting your flexibility, balance and strength.
So, what can you do to avoid becoming one of the one in four Americans over 65 who fall every year? You can start by always wearing glasses or contacts, if prescribed, and maintaining at least some level of regular physical activity should also help your cause. You can find out more about serious injuries by visiting our webpage.
