Concerns for Older Adults Working in Agriculture
Geriatric medicine focuses on healthcare for adults over the age of 65, and falls are a common and serious health concern for this population. Falls are often multifactorial, usually associated with a decline in someone’s cognitive or physical ability.
Every year, more than 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 fall at least once, but less than half tell their healthcare providers. The most effective way to lower fall risk is to have a fall screening with a healthcare provider and to come up with preventative measures and interventions. Contact your local community center or senior center for information on exercise, fall prevention programs, and options for improving home safety.
For more information on geriatric medicine, visit the American Geriatric Society’s website.
Learn more about falls in older adults, risk factors, prevention, and management by visiting the following sites:
CDC’s page on older adult fall prevention
MedlinePlus’s resources on falls and prevention
CDC’s STEADI program and resources (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries)
AgriSafe Networks resources on slips, trips, and falls for agriculture workers
Home modification to make your home safer
Home modification suggestions for older adults in rural areas
Home modification suggestions for renters with disabilities
Home modification suggestions for older veterans
Elder fall prevention for Native Americans
Here are the links for the data referenced in this episode: age of agricultural producers, non-fatal injury data, and fatal injury data.
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Script Arranged by Laura Siegel and Lobna Ali
Hosted by Carey Portell
Edited by Joel Sharpton
Special Guests: Lobna Ali
