Older Adults and Unintentional Injury

Linda Hill; Ryan Moran

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2023.05.011

Older Adults and Unintentional Injury

Med Clin North Am. 2023 Nov;107(6):1001-1010. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.05.011. Epub 2023 Jul 14.

Authors

Linda Hill¹, Ryan Moran²

Affiliations

¹ Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MS 0811, La Jolla, CA 92093-0811, USA.
² Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MS 0811, La Jolla, CA 92093-0811, USA. Electronic address: rjmoran@health.ucsd.edu.

PMID: 37806720
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.05.011

Abstract

Clinicians play an important role in the prevention of unintentional injuries. Falls and motor vehicle crashes (MVC) have predictable and overlapping antecedents. Systematic screening for and management of vision impairment, frailty, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, and inappropriate medications will reduce both falls and MVC risks. Fall-prevention measures, such as strength training, need to be more widely prescribed by physicians and implemented by older adults. Technologically tailored approaches are needed to leverage fall-reduction programs at home, as well as education of older adults regarding home hazards.

Keywords: Driving safety; Fall prevention; Older drivers; Unintentional injury.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Accidents, Traffic* / prevention & control
Aged
Humans
Polypharmacy*