Beyond mortality and hospitalization data: Self-reported injuries among Canadian seniors

This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of self-reported un intentional injuries among Canadians aged 55 years and elder. Based on the cross-sectional data from the 1994 National Population Health Survey (NPHS) , approximately 10 per cent of older adults experienced unintentional injur ies serious enough to limit their normal daily activities. Consistent with hospitalization and mortality data, unintentional falls and motor vehicle c rashes were reported as the major causes of injury. However, the other pred ominant causes of unintentional injuries were environmental incidents and b eing struck by an object. The most common types of injuries were sprains/st rains and broken/fractured bones; the greatest number of injuries was to th e lower Limbs; and the majority of injuries occurred in the home and surrou nding area. Unintentional injuries represent a significant health threat am ong older adults. Self-reported data serve as a different but complementary source of information on unintentional injuries among older adults.