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Adults over 65 have twice the fire
death rate of the population as a whole. Adults over 85 have a fire death
rate 3.5 times that of the general population. Why are these rates so much
higher than for the general population?
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Older adults may not
react as quickly or move as well.
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They may not see as
well.
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They may have more
difficulty with new information.
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New information may
be especially difficult to take in as older adults come to rely more on
prescription drugs. Many have side effects that may dull the senses while
they’re relieving pain or addressing other health problems.
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A surprisingly large number of older
adults with challenges that place them at risk of injury still live alone in
the general population. Others live with spouses, siblings or friends of
similar ages, who may or may not face similar challenges. How many of you
have older friends or relatives who still live independently? How safe are they from fire and burn injury
hazards? Are you prepared to help keep
them safe, without being over-protective, as their needs change?
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(Bridge) Some older adults, and younger people
too, have attitudes that may increase their risk of experiencing a fire or
burn injury. Have you ever heard any
of the following sentiments?
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