Complain about a product or service

Elderly Injuries Rise Dramatically

February 15, 2005

• "Brain Starvation" May Trigger Alzheimer's • Exercise Helps Prevent Age-Related Brain Changes • Scientists Link Fast Food to Alzheimer's • Mayo Clinic Researchers Tout Alzheimer's Progress • Run For Your Life--and Live Longer • Mayo Clinic Finds Exercise Combats Cognitive Decline • 'Secrets' of Extreme Longevity Revealed • Daily Exercise Dramatically Lowers Men's Death Rates • Gym Membership Isn't Necessary For Fitness • Fitness May Outweigh Fat as Longevity Indicator • Parents' Last Gift: A Long Life • Disability Among Seniors Continues to Drop • Avoiding Health Risks in Midlife Can Pay Off in Old Age • Seniors Shouldn't Fear Exercise, Study Finds • Study: Never Too Late to Exercise • Study: Everyday Chores May Promote Longevity • Elderly Injuries Rise Dramatically • Leisure-Time Physical Activity Cuts Stroke Risk --- • More News for Seniors

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.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.

Back to the top |

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2003-2009 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.    The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission.