Research supports the common sense notion that getting prompt help makes surviving an emergency more likely. The ability to get help also boosts the odds that a senior will continue to live independently. The longer a person spends helpless, the greater the likelihood he/she will be discharged into supportive care. For elderly people who live alone, becoming incapacitated and unable to get help is a common event, which usually marks the end to their ability to live independently. (New England Journal of Medicine)
As the oldest baby boomers become senior citizens in 2011, the percentage of people 65 and older is projected to grow faster than any other age group. In fact, 26 states are projected to double their 65+ and-older populations between 2000 and 2030.
75% of all deaths in the United States are deaths of elderly people. For many decades, heart disease, cancer, and stroke have been the leading causes of death among the elderly, accounting for 70% of all deaths in this age group.
As the oldest baby boomers become senior citizens in 2011, the percentage of people 65 and older is projected to grow faster than any other age group. In fact, 26 states are projected to double their 65+ and-older populations between 2000 and 2030.
Of the 35 million Americans over 65, about 1 in 3 will fall in a given year. (Center for Disease Control, "CDC")
Seniors are hospitalized for fall-related injuries 5 times more often than they are for injuries from all other causes. Falls are the leading cause of accidental death for seniors. (Center for Disease Control, "CDC")
50% of people who fall require assistance from someone else to get up.
After a fall or other emergency, 90% of people who get help within one hour will continue independent living, but after 12 hours without help only 10% of people will continue to live at home. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Nearly one half of the older adults who incur a serious injury never fully recover and many lose their ability to function independently for the rest of their lives. A good proportion end up in nursing homes, making falls and the injuries that result, one of the most substantial health threats facing older adults. (Yale University School of Medicine)
1.5 million Heart attacks occur in the United States each year with 500,000 deaths. A heart attack occurs about every 20 seconds with a heart attack death about every minute.
About 50% of deaths occur within one hour of the heart attack -outside a hospital.
There is a only a 6% to 9% early mortality rate from Heart attack for those who survive long enough to reach the hospital. Getting to the hospital quickly is the goal. Deaths from cardiovascular diseases in women exceed the total number of deaths caused by the next 16 causes.
Costs related to heart attack exceed 60 billion dollars per year. Coronary Heart Disease is America's No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the No.1 cause of adult disability. Many strokes are preventable and treatable with prompt medical attention. (National Stroke Association)
Senior citizens age 70 and over have the greatest risk of fire death. The fire death risk among seniors is more than double the average population.
