Letter to the editor
What Do Exercise Star Richard Simmons, Senator Mitch McConnell, and I Have in Common That all Idahoans Should Be Concerned About? At first glance, not much. But the common characteristic is that we all have fallen with significant outcomes. Senator McConnell’s fall in 2023 resulted in hospitalization, a concussion, and broken ribs. Richard Simmons fell in 2024. The medical examiner confirmed that he died from complications of the fall. Mine was in 2023 and resulted in hospitalization, surgery, and a split humerus from elbow to shoulder. In less than a second, our lives were changed but we are not alone. Falls are the #1 cause of accidental injury and death among older adults and the #1 cause of traumatic brain injury for all ages. The statistics are staggering:
• 1 in 3 older adult Idahoans fall at least once each year
• Falling once doubles our chance of falling again
• 1 in 5 falls result in significant injury, costing an average in Idaho of $38,373 per fall
• Over 950,000 people are hospitalized nationally each year
• After hospitalization, less than 39% go home
• 1 year after hospitalization, 45% are readmitted and 33% die
• Fall death rates for older Idahoans rose 12% (2019-2021)
Falls are a complex, multifactorial problem. The first thing to do is to bring awareness. Everyone, including individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare providers, community members, and policymakers need to be aware of the incidence and impacts of falls. Until we know the need, there will be no incentive to take action.
The second thing to do is to provide education. This starts with our healthcare students and professionals. They need to ask the questions and know where to refer people at risk for falling BEFORE they fall. Our community members can learn to recognize fall hazards and take the steps and implement the strategies to reduce those risks. Our leaders can learn how falls impact their constituents and districts. Then they can address how to implement and support falls prevention policies. Together, we can ensure our homes, institutions, and public spaces can be falls-free.
One mechanism to accomplish this is the Falls Prevention Coalition of Idaho. They coordinate falls prevention efforts statewide. Information, resources, and interventions are available at www.aging.idaho.gov/falls. Opportunities include free in-person and virtual workshops , online seminars, and local events. Anyone can join to broaden and strengthen falls prevention efforts and coordination across the state.
My family took me to the hospital. My insurance covered most of the costs. I missed work but was able to make it up. In the big picture, I was fortunate. Many are not. Many are physically, emotionally, socially, and financially devastated. Since the impact of falls rests on our emergency responders, healthcare institutions, long-term care supports, and a variety of local and state resources, how about we take a proactive approach and just prevent falls from occurring? Awareness is the start. Prevention is the solution.
Regards,
Erin Olsen
Idaho Commission on Aging,
Program Specialist
Falls Prevention Coalition of
Idaho, Founder and Coordinator
