Facts about Falling:
Falls are a major health hazard for older adults. Even though the risk of falls increases with age it is not a normal part of the aging process. Because it is not part of normal aging there are steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk of falling.

Did you know?
• Fall related injuries are the 3rd leading cause of injury death in the panhandle of Nebraska.
• Half of all individuals in western Nebraska who are injured severely enough to be admitted to a hospital or who die are injured in a fall (Nebraska Trauma Registry).
• Adults in western Nebraska over the age of 64 fall most frequently at home. The majority of them are unable to return home after they leave the hospital (Nebraska Trauma Registry).

Quiz: Are you at risk for falling?
The healthcare community has done a great deal of research to identify reasons why older adults struggle
with falling. Risk factors have been identified that help us understand what causes people to fall. Some of
the risk factors are obvious, while others require assessment by your local health care provider. Here is a
simple test to help you identify whether or not you are at risk for falling.

1. Have you experienced at least one fall in the past year?   ___yes ___no
2. Do you currently take four or more medications? ___yes ___no
3. Do you have difficulty getting up from a chair? ___yes ___no
4. Do you feel unsteady when you are walking or climbing stairs? ___yes ___no

What does it mean?
If you answered yes to one or fewer questions, your risk of falling is low.
If you answered yes to two or more questions, your risk of falling is moderate to high and you need to
visit with your healthcare provider.

Tai Chi helps with balance.