Final answer:
The leading cause of injury and preventable mortality and morbidity in older adults is falls, which often lead to head injuries and complications from fractures due to immobility during the healing process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leading cause of injury and preventable source of mortality and morbidity in older adults is falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that head injuries, which are most commonly caused by falls, account for approximately 30 percent of all injury-related deaths in the United States. These falls are most frequently observed among young children, adolescents, and the elderly (over 65 years).
Further, among the elderly, even health conditions such as fractures from falls, while not severe itself, can lead to life-threatening complications due to immobility during the healing process. Complications can range from blood clots and respiratory failure to infections from pressure sores and catheterization.
Learn more about Senior Health