Released March 13, 2008
STILLWATER, Okla. -- As the general population continues to age, home injuries are increasing among those individuals age 65 and over.
Older people make up about 12 percent of the population in the United States. It is estimated that those age 65 and over will comprise 20 percent of the population by 2030. The over-85 population is the fastest growing segment and is expected to increase nearly five fold in the next 50 years.
There are a number of individual issues generated by the process of population aging. For example, because an increasing number of older adults are able to ‘age-in-place’, this means that they are able to grow older without having to move from their homes.
Yet, the older generation faces a number of health related issues that can put them at risk in their homes, said Jan Johnston, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service gerontology specialist.
“Many older adults take a variety of medications for various reasons. These medications often can have an effect on balance, strength and vision,” Johnston said. “More than 600,000 people over the age of 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that are associated with products they live with and use every day. These injuries often are caused by situations that are easy to overlook, but also easy to correct.”
Family and friends should conduct a safety check of the homes of older adults to look for hazards and help them take simple steps to correct these dangerous situations.
Electrical cords, telephone cords, rugs and mats can all cause a potential tripping hazard. In addition, it is important to make sure all areas of the home are well lit so older residents can see where they are going.
“If extension cords or other cords must be used, keep them out of the flow of traffic. Arrange furniture so outlets are available for lamps and appliances without the use of extension cords,” Johnston said. “If necessary, hire an electrician to install additional outlets. If an extension cord is the only alternative, make sure it runs along the baseboard of the wall and doesn’t cross the walkway.”
It is also a good idea to periodically check cords to make sure they are in good shape. Discard and replace any cords that are damaged or frayed. Stringing together multiple cords is an unsafe choice. Be sure extension cords have sufficient amp or wattage ratings because overloaded cords can cause fires. If the power requirements of appliances exceed the rating of the capacity of the cord, replace the cord with a higher-rated one.
Fall prevention is an important aspect in aging-in-place successfully.
“If there are rugs, mats and runners in the home, make sure they have slip-resistant backing,” she said. “Some people have health problems such as osteoporosis, which cause bone brittleness and softness. If a person trips over a rug or extension cord the fall can cause a bone fracture. Hip fractures are major complications from falls in the older population.”
If an older adult’s home has a flight of stairs, make sure the handrail is sturdy and easy to grasp. Ensure that the steps are in good condition and do not pose additional risks. It is important to have night lights and light switches at both the top and bottom of the staircase.
If an older family member smokes, talk with the individual about the importance of not smoking when feeling sleepy or in bed. Many home fires start from a lighted cigarette when the person falls asleep while smoking.
Johnston said the home should be equipped with at least one smoke detector on each floor. Check periodically to ensure all detectors are in working order. Smoke detectors should be located near bedrooms either on the ceiling or on the wall six to 12 inches below the ceiling.
“It’s a good idea to develop an emergency exit plan for an older person’s home. Plan an alternate exit in case the original exit is blocked in the event of fire,” she said. “Periodically practice the plan to help ensure everyone can escape in the event of an emergency. You should have a predetermined meeting place outside to be sure everyone got out safely.”
Keeping these safety strategies in mind can help ensure a safe home environment for all older adults.
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Contact: Trisha Gedon, (405) 744-3625, trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
