Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week aims to reduce falls among seniors. File Photo
Falls are the leading cause of injury‐related deaths and hospitalizations for British Columbians over the age of 65.
That’s reported by the Provincial Health Services Authority in announcing this week as Seniors’ Fall Prevention Awareness Week which aims to reduce falls among seniors.
The campaign is promoting seniors’ exercise, vision care and other prevention tips.
The Provincial Health Services Authority says an average of 2,743 people 65-years-old and over on Vancouver Island were hospitalized between 2010 and 2014.
Research reports 146 senior island residents died in that time period and falls cost Island Health $107-million in 2010.
On average provincially, more than 13,000 seniors each year are hospitalized because of falls and more than 500 of those lead to death.
The falls cost the health care system almost $500 million a year.
Provincial Health Services says seniors can help prevent falls by staying active, having their eyes tested yearly and installing safety in their homes like handrails, non-slip rugs and night lights.
Andy Neal
