The risk of being injured or killed in a car crash increases with age, with 700 over 65s injured in the United States every day and 22 killed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Now the organization has launched the “Still Going Strong” campaign which is raising awareness about the leading causes of unintentional injuries and deaths in older adults.
The campaign highlights ways over 65s can continue to participate in their favorite hobbies and activities, including driving, while informing them and their caregivers of steps they can take to prevent injuries that disproportionately impact this population, which as well as motor vehicle crashes also includes falls and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
“We know that injuries and deaths from falls and motor vehicle crashes are increasing in older adults,” said Debra Houry, MD, MPH, Director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
“We hope ‘Still Going Strong’ will help inform our audience about simple steps they can do to prevent injuries and their lasting effects.”
CDC urges older adults and their caregivers to take simple steps to prevent injuries from falls or car crashes like talking to healthcare providers.
Healthcare providers can ask their older patients if they have concerns about falling or driving safely. They also can review older patients’ over-the-counter and prescription medications to identify if any cause drowsiness or dizziness.
More information about the Still Going Strong campaign is available online at www.cdc.gov/StillGoingStrong.
