Injury Prevention

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Abstract

The elderly population is the fastest-growing segment of the population in industrialized countries. According to the US Census Bureau, between the year 2012 and 2050, the population of those aged 65 and older is estimated to nearly double from an estimated 43.1 million in 2012 to a projected 83.7 million in 2050 [7]. Injury prevention is vital to maintaining and improving the quality of life and reducing the morbidity and mortality of the elderly.

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Notes

Summary

In order to reduce the burden on emergency departments and hospitals, communities must increase the adoption and utilization of the injury prevention programs that are currently available to the geriatric communities. In addition, further research is required to better understand the root causes of these injuries and the modifications that are needed to reduce an individual’s risk in the future. If left unchecked, the impact of potential injuries the growing geriatric population is at risk for could reach epidemic proportions. Increasing injury prevention knowledge and access is a key component to increasing an older adult’s quality of life, and the additional positive outcome will be the reduction of the burden of geriatric injuries on the nation’s healthcare systems.

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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.VP Clinical Service, Surgical Service Line, Vice Chairman of Surgery, System Chief Division of Acute Care Surgery, Associate Professor of SurgeryHofstra/Northwell School of MedicineHempsteadUSA

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