More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States. Falling is the leading cause of injury deaths among the elderly and is also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. In 2000 alone, these falls accounted for $179 million dollars in direct medical costs for fatal falls and $19 billion for nonfatal fall injuries. These amounts are staggering and we hope to make people aware the risks and problems caused by falls.

Falls are a major concern in the home, especially to older adults. The risk of being seriously injured in a fall increases with age. This is due mostly to health reasons. To prove this point, the rates of fall injuries for adults 85 and older were four to five times that of adults 65 to 74. In addition, nearly 85% of deaths from falls in 2003 were among people 75 and older.

It has been found that men are more likely to die from a fall. In 2003 the fall fatality rate was 49% higher for men than for women. However women are much more likely to have nonfatal fall injuries and have rates of fall-related fractures twice as high as men. In 2003, about 72% of older adults admitted to the hospital for hip fractures were women.

Labels: falls, seniors

Each year thousands of seniors fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured and many become permanently disabled. In 2003, about 1.8 million seniors were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls and about 460,000 of these patients were hospitalized. In addition to that, almost 14,000 people over the age of 65 died because of the injuries sustained in falls. The rates of fall-related deaths among older adults rose significantly over the past decade.

Each year in the United States, more than one third of adults age 65 and older fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults and are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. These are staggering numbers and a large percentage of the senior population is affected by falls. We hope to reduce that percentage and make homes a safer place for seniors.

Labels: falls, seniors

May 2007 has been declared Older Americans Month by President Bush. This month we acknowledge the many contributions seniors have made and are making to our country and society.

The theme for the month is to make choices for a healthier future. Orbit Medical also strives for a healthier future and hopes to improve the quality of life of older Americans.

Orbit Medical strives to help people, especially older Americans, with their physical limitations. We provide medical equipment solutions that will help regain one's independence and mobility back into their life. Orbit Medical also pays tribute to all older citizens and honors them for the contributions they have made. Thank you.

Labels: seniors

Have questions about qualifying for and electric wheelchair? If you or your loved one is interested in finding out more about an electric wheelchair this is a good place to start. Here are a few frequently asked questions about getting a wheelchair. Getting and qualifying for a power wheelchair can be a confusing process and hopefully these questions and answers can help you. If there are any more wheelchair questions please ask.

Go to electric wheelchair FAQ

Labels: electric wheelchairs, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs