It’s that time of year when we start cleaning up and taking down all the decorations. That being said, I have always thought that if I went into politics (which I won’t) one of the first laws I would try to pass as a physician/ politician would be a law that bans the use of ladders for anyone greater than 65 years of age and if you were seen on a ladder and you are over 65 you should be carded and pay a fine:) . It would also require that any hardware store that sells them would have the right to ask for your ID to verify you are of age. I do not think this law would get me the senior citizen vote, but I think their children and grandchildren would back me on this one. This is not elder abuse, just commonsense. Falls from ladders are a significant source of morbidity in older adults with increasing incidence and severity associated with age. Older adults, particularly men over 65, have higher injury rates and more severe outcomes from ladder falls compared to younger individuals. The typical injuries that occur are fractures affecting the lower extremity a (27%), spine (25%), ribs (23%), upper extremity (20%) and pelvis (10%). Head trauma is also a significant risk affecting one third of the individuals who fall from a ladder. This can result in significant injuries and ultimately death particularly with individuals who are on blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel) Eliquis, Pradaxa, or Coumadin. Over 500,000 Americans are treated for ladder related injuries each year contributing to roughly 300 deaths. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among adults age 65 and older accounting for 56.1% of these deaths. Individuals greater than 65 are at greater risk due to poor balance due to deconditioning, medications that they may be on that have dizziness as a side effect, dehydration and decreased bone density. And this is not just tall ladders. Step ladders are the most commonly used indoor ladder for task such as lighting or decorating and most falls occur from the first step. So, if you are greater than 65 and you feel you have to use a ladder, note to self, you don’t and if you do, hire someone else to do it. Or call a younger family member. They will be happy you did. I will be happy you did. Be happy I am not a politician. Stay safe out there.
Doug
