Many elderly seniors living in New Mexico are not aware of the slip-and-fall dangers they face in and outside of their homes that can result in severe injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older people are more likely to sustain severe injuries and die from fall accidents than any other type of incident. Slip-and-fall accidents are not always avoidable. But property owners can take measures to prevent them.
When older people fall, they tend to suffer injuries to their hips, joints and heads. Here is a brief overview of why seniors have a higher rate of suffering from slip-and-fall accidents than any other age group.
Loss of balance and coordination
As people age, their bodies naturally start losing their ability to retain their balances. They also become less flexible and may develop issues with the way they walk that make it harder for them to move safely around walkway obstructions and on hazardous surfaces.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, diabetes and heart disease can create balance problems for older people, states NewsUSA. Seniors who have those conditions and others often have to rely on medications that can alter their equilibrium to stay healthy.
Vision changes
Eyesight diminishes with age. Older people who have poor vision may have trouble seeing obstacles and hazards that are in their way that can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Their vision could also interfere with their ability to see safety devices they can use to avoid slips and falls.
Older people may be more prone to fall accidents and severe injuries. Property owners should take reasonable measures to prevent hazardous conditions that can lead to slips, falls, serious injuries and death.