AP52938

Science Summary Preventable Accidents In Elderly

Sociologists at Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania took 1.302.090 adults who died or survived accidents from 1986 thru 2006 to compare the data. This study “The Social Side of Accidental Death”, found that divorced elderly adults and those single with lower education were twice at risk to die from an accident. With this, they stated most of these accidents could have been prevented. Our textbook states, “For married elders with some kind of disability by far the largest source of assistance is the spouse, not the children or friends”(Boyd,470). Both this study and our text book show social relationships or a socioeconomic status can prevent accidents or death as a result from an accident. The study showed that those with a partner or higher economic status can prevent an accident by using different safe guards. Some of these accidents result in death because help is not received right away. Justin Denney, assistant professor of sociology at Rice University stated, “Well educated individuals on average have greater socioeconomic resources, which can be used to their advantage to prevent accidental death (i.e. safeguarding a home from fire).” Results show that having a partner or having a higher education can prevent practices that are harmful to ones health thus ones safety. With all this knowledge we should be able to educate those who don't have the resources or a spouse to help prevent these accidental deaths. Family and friends can help by knowing the possible cause of falls and accidents. Safeguarding the home and having a way for individuals to access help if an accident happens, such as medical alert system could save many lives each year.

References:

Rice University. "Divorced people more likely to die from preventable accidents." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30October 2013. .

Boyd, Denise Roberts., and Helen L. Bee. //Lifespan Development//. Sixth ed. Boston: Pearson Allyn & Bacon, 2012. Print.

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