Helena - Falls are a serious health risk for senior citizens and are the leading cause of death for people over age 85, according to Thomas Danenhower, injury prevention coordinator for the Montana Dept. of Public Health and Human Services.

“The statistics regarding falls are sobering,” Danenhower said recently. “Nationally, more than half of all fatal falls occur among people who are 75 or older. In Montana, 94 people over the age of 65 died in falls in 2002. That’s more than twice as many as died in motor vehicle accidents.”

Injuries caused by falls are the most common reason the elderly go to the emergency room, Danenhower noted. And people over age 85 are four times as likely as younger people to die from a fall.

In Montana, 60 percent of fatal falls occur at home, 30 percent in public places and 10 percent in health-care institutions. The most common serious injury caused by a fall is a hip fracture, Danenhower said, followed by wrist and head injuries. Hip fractures cause the most deaths, lead to the most severe health problems and have the worst impact on quality of life, he added.

As the “Baby Boom” generation swells the population of older people, falls will become an even bigger issue, said Eloise England, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging.

According to the U.S. Census, there were 15,223 people 85 years of age or older nationwide in 2000. Now, four years later, there are another 18,228 people in that age group.

“With such a huge increase in the older population, it’s vital that we provide seniors with information on how to prevent falls,” England said.

“Fortunately, there are ways that seniors can reduce their risk of falling,” Danenhower said. He suggested that they:

· Increase their lower body strength and improve their balance through regular physical activity (with the approval of their physician).

· Talk to their pharmacist about managing their medications to reduce side effects such as dizziness.

· Modify their homes by removing clutter, putting up handrails and grab bars and improving lighting.

For more information about how to prevent or reduce the risk of falling, contact Danenhower at 444-4126 or tdanenhower@state.mt.us.

To find out about local services related to prevention or care, contact the local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-551-3191.