Citation

Wolf ME, Rivara FP. Annu. Rev. Public Health 1992; 13: 509-528.

Affiliation

Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Annual Reviews)

DOI

10.1146/annurev.pu.13.050192.002453

PMID

1599601

Abstract

Nonfall injuries are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. In addition to the loss of life and human suffering, the economic costs and the changes in lifestyle are important aspects of the consequences of trauma. Rates of injury as a result of MVCs (occupant and pedestrian), suicide, and residential fire are higher in the younger and older segments of the population, as indicated by J-shaped or U-shaped curves. Domestic violence against older adults is a recognized, but not well investigated, problem. Although risk factors have been identified for some of the cause specific injuries, the continuation of epidemiologic research is important to elucidate risk factors, especially those for which interventions can be developed. The development, implementation, and evaluation of the intervention programs are necessary for a multifaceted approach to injury control in older adults.