Injury Prevention for Seniors

Injuries have enormous consequences for seniors and their caregivers, and they are costly to the Canadian health system. Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, while vehicular collisions are the leading cause of accidental deaths in the 65-74 age group. Falls and vehicular collisions together account for approximately 91% of injury-related hospital admissions among seniors. In 2004-2005, seniors accounted for 41% of all injury-related hospitalizations in Canada As the seniors' population (age 65 and over) continues to rise in the future, the burden of injuries is expected to increase.

To help prevent seniors' injury, the Division of Aging and Seniors has undertaken many initiatives in public education, community-based programming, and policy development. The Division continues to work collaboratively with stakeholders to increase the capacity of the Canadian health care system and community practitioners to plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based injury prevention programs. For example, funding support was provided for the development of the Canadian Falls Prevention Curriculum. A first in Canada, the Curriculum teaches health care providers and community leaders to design, implement and evaluate fall prevention programs for older persons. Another example concerns injury prevention for older drivers, an emerging public health issue. The Division has been a key contributor in the development of the National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers. Also a first of its kind, the Blueprint brings together a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring the health conditions that may affect the capacity to drive safely.

What Information Is Available?

For more information on falls, see our many publications on the topic:

• Surveillance report on falls among older adults in Canada
• Seniors' Falls in Canada - Infographic
• Aging and seniors publications