NR 503 Week 2 Study Guide Assignment –
Healthy People 2020 Impact Paper
(Chamberlain) (Verified Study Resource)
Nursing Assignment Solution
Healthy People 2020 Impact Paper: Falls in the Geriatric
Population in Illinois
Introduction
Falls are one of the most significant public health
concerns affecting the geriatric population. For older
adults, falls represent not only a frequent event but also
a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, and reduced
,quality of life. According to Healthy People 2020,
preventing falls among older adults is a national health
priority, as falls often lead to fractures, head trauma,
functional decline, and even death. In Illinois, where the
aging population is steadily increasing, fall prevention is a
critical public health goal. This paper will discuss the
prevalence and consequences of falls among older
adults, examine Healthy People 2020 objectives related
to fall prevention, highlight state-level trends in Illinois,
and explore evidence-based interventions that can
reduce the burden of falls.
Falls in the Geriatric Population
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal
injuries among older adults (Kontowicz et al., 2019). They
are not merely accidents but sentinel events that
frequently mark the beginning of a decline in
independence. A single fall can lead to complications
such as hip fractures, traumatic brain injury, decreased
mobility, social withdrawal, and institutionalization. Falls
are also costly: nationally, they account for billions of
dollars in healthcare expenditures annually.
, Older adults are particularly vulnerable because of age-
related physiologic changes (decreased balance, muscle
weakness, and slower reflexes) and comorbidities
(hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, visual impairment).
Medications that affect cognition or balance—such as
sedatives, antihypertensives, or polypharmacy—further
elevate risk. These factors collectively explain why falls
are so prevalent and why prevention requires a
multifaceted approach.
Falls in Illinois
In Illinois, falls represent a major cause of emergency
department (ED) visits and hospital admissions among
seniors. Data from the CDC indicate that older adults in
Illinois experience a fall approximately every 30 minutes,
and each incident has the potential to result in
hospitalization or death. With each passing birthday
beyond age 65, the likelihood of a fall increases by nearly
50%.
Common risk factors observed in Illinois seniors include:
• Lower body weakness and impaired mobility
Healthy People 2020 Impact Paper
(Chamberlain) (Verified Study Resource)
Nursing Assignment Solution
Healthy People 2020 Impact Paper: Falls in the Geriatric
Population in Illinois
Introduction
Falls are one of the most significant public health
concerns affecting the geriatric population. For older
adults, falls represent not only a frequent event but also
a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, and reduced
,quality of life. According to Healthy People 2020,
preventing falls among older adults is a national health
priority, as falls often lead to fractures, head trauma,
functional decline, and even death. In Illinois, where the
aging population is steadily increasing, fall prevention is a
critical public health goal. This paper will discuss the
prevalence and consequences of falls among older
adults, examine Healthy People 2020 objectives related
to fall prevention, highlight state-level trends in Illinois,
and explore evidence-based interventions that can
reduce the burden of falls.
Falls in the Geriatric Population
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal
injuries among older adults (Kontowicz et al., 2019). They
are not merely accidents but sentinel events that
frequently mark the beginning of a decline in
independence. A single fall can lead to complications
such as hip fractures, traumatic brain injury, decreased
mobility, social withdrawal, and institutionalization. Falls
are also costly: nationally, they account for billions of
dollars in healthcare expenditures annually.
, Older adults are particularly vulnerable because of age-
related physiologic changes (decreased balance, muscle
weakness, and slower reflexes) and comorbidities
(hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, visual impairment).
Medications that affect cognition or balance—such as
sedatives, antihypertensives, or polypharmacy—further
elevate risk. These factors collectively explain why falls
are so prevalent and why prevention requires a
multifaceted approach.
Falls in Illinois
In Illinois, falls represent a major cause of emergency
department (ED) visits and hospital admissions among
seniors. Data from the CDC indicate that older adults in
Illinois experience a fall approximately every 30 minutes,
and each incident has the potential to result in
hospitalization or death. With each passing birthday
beyond age 65, the likelihood of a fall increases by nearly
50%.
Common risk factors observed in Illinois seniors include:
• Lower body weakness and impaired mobility
