Older Adults

Injuries from falls and car crashes are more common as we age. These injuries can have devastating effects. But these injuries can be prevented so you can stay healthy and independent longer.

Preventing a Fall

More than 1 in 4 older adults report falling each year—this results in about 36 million falls.¹ Falls can cause serious injuries such as broken bones or a head or brain injury.² But falls are not a normal part of aging—they can be prevented.

You can take action to prevent falling and stay independent longer.

There are simple steps you can take to keep yourself from falling and to stay healthy and independent longer.

Speak up.

• Tell your doctor if you have fallen, if you feel unsteady when standing or walking, or if you are afraid you might fall.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review the medicines you take. Some medicines might make you dizzy or sleepy which can increase your risk of falling.
• Have an eye doctor check your eyes at least once a year and update your eyeglasses as needed.
• Have your doctor check your feet at least once a year and discuss proper footwear to reduce your risk of falling.
• Ask your doctor about health conditions like depression, osteoporosis, or hypotension that can increase your risk for falling.

Stay active.

• Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance, like Tai Chi.

Make your home safer.

• Get rid of trip hazards like throw rugs, and keep floors clutter free.
• Brighten your home with extra lighting or brighter light bulbs.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom(s)—next to the toilet and inside and outside of your bathtub or shower.
• Install handrails on both sides of staircases.

Preventing a Motor Vehicle Crash

Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent. But the risk of being injured in a traffic crash increases as we age.

As we age, declines in vision and cognitive function (ability to reason and remember), as well as physical changes, might affect our driving abilities.³ 

You can take action to stay safer on the road and stay independent longer.

There are simple steps you can take to stay safe on the road.

Drive when conditions are safest.

• Drive during daylight and in good weather.
• Conditions such as poor weather (like rain or snow) and driving at night increase your chance of a crash.

Never drink and drive.

• Alcohol reduces coordination, impairs judgement, and increases the risk of being in a crash.

Plan your drive.

• Before you drive, find the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left-turn signals, and easy parking.

Watch your distance.

• Leave a large following distance between your car and the car in front of you. You may experience delayed reflexes or slower reaction time as you age.

Don’t drive distracted.

• Avoid distractions in your car, such as listening to a loud radio, talking or texting on your phone, and eating.

Get a ride.

• Consider alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend or family member, taking a ride share service, or using public transportation if possible.

Taking other steps off the road can keep you driving safer, longer.

Speak up.

• Discuss your ability to continue driving with your healthcare providers.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review the medicines you take. Some medicines might make you dizzy, sleepy, or slow your reaction time. This can increase your risk for a car crash.
• Have your eyes checked at least once a year. Poor vision can increase your risk of a car crash.

Keep moving.

• Follow a regular activity program to increase strength and flexibility.

Plan ahead.

• Download and use CDC’s MyMobility Plan to make a plan to stay mobile and independent as you age.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. It may be caused by a bump, blow, jolt to the head, or a penetrating injury such as when an object enters the skull and harms the brain.

There are three main types of TBI:

• Mild TBI or concussion
• Moderate TBI
• Severe TBI⁴

Most TBIs that occur in older adults are mild TBIs or concussions.⁵

TBIs are preventable, but they remain a serious public health concern resulting in death and disability for thousands of older Americans each year. Older adults are more likely to have a hospital stay following a TBI compared to all other age groups.⁶

Falls and motor vehicle crashes are two of the leading causes of TBI-related hospitalizations among older adults.⁶ The good news is that you can lower your chance of getting a TBI by following steps to prevent a fall or motor vehicle crash.

TBIs may be missed in older adults

TBIs may be missed or misdiagnosed in older adults because symptoms of TBI overlap with other medical conditions that are common among older adults, such as dementia or when older adults have multiple injuries. Your healthcare provider should check you for signs and symptoms of TBI if you have fallen or were in a car crash.

This is especially important if you are taking blood thinners,⁷ such as:

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and apixaban (Eliquis)
• Antiplatelet medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)

These medicines may increase the risk for bleeding in the brain following a TBI. Bleeding in the brain after a TBI may put a person at risk for more severe injury or death.⁷

Get medical care for a TBI or concussion

You should see your healthcare provider if you get a TBI or concussion. Your healthcare provider may have treatment to help speed up your recovery.

• Most people with a mild TBI or concussion can recover safely at home following a medical check-up. You may experience short-term symptoms and feel better within a couple of weeks or months.
• People with a moderate or severe TBI may need ongoing care to help with their recovery. You may have long-term or life-long effects from the injury.

If you do get injured, it’s important to know how to spot a concussion or TBI and what to do if you think you have one.

Concussion and TBI recovery

Recovering from a concussion or other TBI is different for each person.

• Recovery depends on many things such as:
  
  • Your health before the injury
  • Type and severity of your TBI (mild, moderate, or severe)
  • Access to healthcare and specialized TBI care
  • Family and other social support⁴
• It’s important to get plenty of rest after the injury when symptoms are most severe to help your brain heal.
• Ask your healthcare provider questions about your recovery:
  • When can I get back to normal activities?
  • Is there any activity I should not do, such as exercise?
  • When can I return to driving (if you currently drive a car)?
  • What medicines should I take (or stop taking)?
  • Can I take any other medicines, for example acetaminophen (Tylenol)?
  • What other problems, if any, should I look for related to this injury?
  • Will I need any special treatment or therapy, like physical therapy?
  • When do you want to see me next?