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Older Adults and Injury
Older Adults
Millions of older people – those 65 years and above – FALL – With average lengths of stay in hospitals growing to 65 days in 2015. Costing healthcare systems billions of dollars globally. Falls in the older population is the most prevalent injury in shear numbers, but according to Statistics Canada, individuals in the ‘over 55yrs of age’ category have the highest rate of suicide in Canada.
- Older adults should take part in at least 2.5 hours of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.
- Many factors contribute to falls in the older population, including diet, medication, hazards in the home, and even shoe treads.
- Different from other age populations, Seniors experiencing suicidal thoughts may present with physical complaints rather than depression.
- In 2004 the World Health Organization reported 847 suicide deaths of seniors in Canada.
- Older males die by suicide more often then any other age group, because of the lethal means when attempting suicide.