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Overview
of senior burn safety
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| Senior
Citizens represent one of the highest
burn risk populations in the Unites States.
Because of the progressive degeneration in
physical and cognitive capabilities, senior
citizens present unique challenges in burn
protection, prevention, and safety. The aging
process increases the likelihood that an
elderly person will accidentally start a fire,
while at the same time reduce his or her
chances of surviving the fire. Fire death
tolls will most likely increase in direct
proportion to the growth of older adults
unless measures are taken to decrease these
risks. |
| Defining
the Problem |
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During
the past century, the number of persons over
the age of 65 has tripled. Between now and the
year 2050, this population is expected to
double reaching an estimated 80 million, or
20% of the U.S. population.
Currently,
the "oldest old" (aged 85 and older)
is the most rapidly growing age group among
the elderly. As this population continues to
grow and age, so does their chances of
surviving a life-threatening injury from a
fire or burn.
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| Poverty
and Burn Injury |
- 20%
of the elderly live below the poverty
line.
- Poverty
limits the home's safety equipment such as
smoke alarms.
- Housing
is more cramped.
- Electrical
wiring and other systems are more likely
to be unsafe.
- Heating
systems are more likely to be unsafe.
- Dangerous
use of space heaters and ovens to heat the
home.
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| Burns,
Deaths, and the Elderly |
-
igniting
clothing.
- bedding.
- upholstery.
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Supported
by the International Association of Fire Fighters
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