The number of hospital emergency-room visits by elderly New Yorkers injured in falls rose 22 percent over five years, the city’s Health Department said on Monday.
In 2010 alone, more than 28,000 older adults were treated and released from ERs due to falls, the agency reported.
Officials predicted that the dangers and costs of falls would rise “dramatically” between 2010 and 2030 when the city’s elderly population is expected to grow 45 percent.
Among the agency’s findings:
- Thirty-eight percent of older New Yorkers reported suffering at least one fall the previous year.
- Five neighborhoods — on the East Side of Manhattan, northwest Bronx and in Staten Island — had the highest hospitalization rates for falls.
- Most falls occurred in people’s own homes, typically in the bedroom.
- The top risk factors for falling were throw rugs, taking four or more prescription drugs and having clutter in the home.