Did you know falls are the leading cause of death for people 55 and older? According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 3,000 adults over the age of 55 died from falls in 2017.
Here are the facts:
- One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury .
- Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
- Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
What Causes Falls?
- Weakness
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Difficulties with walking and balance
- Medications, tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance.
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Home hazards
Most falls are caused by a combination of factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.
Preventing Falls
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy. Include all your medications including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines.
- Ask your doctor about taking vitamin D supplements.
- Do yoga or strength and balance exercises.
- Have Your Eyes Checked
- Do a Home Safety Check including getting rid of things that can be tripped over. Add assistance bars in your bathroom. Be sure you have railings on your stairs.
With some careful preparation and precautions, you do not need to be the victim of a fall.
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May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.