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Elderly Injuries Rise Dramatically

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Americans 65 and over are increasingly at risk of product-related injuries in or around the home, a new study finds.

In 2002, more than 1.45 million Americans 65 years and older went to hospital emergency rooms with consumer product-related injuries, according to "Special Report: Emergency Room Injuries Adults 65 and Older," published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Safety Council (NSC).

The special report finds those 75 years and older especially vulnerable. From 1991 to 2002, the number of people 75 and older treated in a U.S. hospital emergency room for a product-related injury jumped 73 percent. During the same time frame, their population grew just 27 percent.

Those 75 years and older are twice as likely as adults 65 to 74 to have emergency room- treated injuries from consumer products.

Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury at home among Americans 65 and older. Injuries include falling and tripping on stairs, in bathtubs, off ladders and step stools, over garden hoses, dog leashes, and household appliance cords.

Among more active older consumers, the report cites sports-related deaths and injuries. CPSC has reports of 100 drowning deaths in one year among those 65 and older, a disproportionate share.

Fires are also a hazard. Cooking fires and clothing ignition while cooking are a major hazard for older people.

"These are preventable injuries," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever. We want them to enjoy themselves free from debilitating injury."

CPSC estimates product-related injuries and deaths involving those 65 and older cost the U.S. over $100 billion every year.

"Falls and injuries among the elderly are issues of extreme importance to the National Safety Council," said Alan C. McMillan, NSC President and CEO. "According to our 2003 data, more than 15,000 Americans 65 and older died as a result of unintentional injuries in the home. We need to take steps now in order to address this urgent national issue."

Those 75 and older are one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population, and older consumers are also increasingly involved in exercise and sports.

Below are CPSC's safety tips to help reduce deaths and injuries to older consumers from falls. The advice is simple, straightforward and can save a life:

• Install grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces in bathrooms.
• Only use stable step stools with a top handrail. Don't climb alone.
• Have someone nearby to help you.
• Be sure your telephones and emergency numbers are easily accessible -- so you can get help if you fall.
• Always grip the handrails on stairs. Keep stairs well lighted.
• Keep floors clear and slip resistant.

In addition to the injury report, CPSC is launching a major education campaign to warn older Americans of their risks. Through its Neighborhood Safety Network, CPSC is coordinating with the National Safety Council to reach older Americans through NSC chapters, senior centers and state agencies, urging consumers to take extra precautions.

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July 24 2008

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