(ANSI: New York) -- A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that falls among the elderly, long known as a common source of injury for this population, can be reduced through a program of adjusting treatment, assessing risk, and educating patients. Whether aimed at reducing the risk of falls or other dangers faced by the elderly, standards can help to protect the safety and well-being of this growing population. The study, conducted at the Yale School of Medicine, demonstrates that personalized programs of medication reduction, strength training, vision adjustment, blood-pressure treatment, and other measures can reduce senior citizens’ risk of falling by 11 percent. These programs are determined by clinicians who asses the patient’s potential risks based on health and lifestyle. Small additions to a senior’s living environment can also make a big difference in reducing slips and falls around the house. Slip-resistant mats are covered by an American National Standard developed by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). ANSI/ASSE A1264.2-2006, “Standard for the Provision of Slip Resistance on Walking/Working Surfaces” includes provisions for reducing hazards, test procedures, and equipment, and slip-resistance guidelines. As reaction time typically slows with age, senior citizens are often at greater risk for being burned.

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