Rise in Falls and Fractures Among Elderly After Superstorm Sandy

From Rutgers Today – November 11, 2013.

A report co-authored by Rutgers researcher and CEED member Sue Shapses warns of the dangers extended power outages can pose to older New Jerseyans.

Everyone knows Superstorm Sandy left many New Jersey homes and businesses battered and bruised. But most are not aware of the considerable toll the storm and its aftermath took on our state’s residents.

“With disasters, there are things beyond the obvious,” said Rutgers’ Sue Shapses, a professor in the department of Nutrition and chair of the Interagency Council of Osteoporosis. “There are real health hazard risks, especially falling and fracturing. And it’s especially a problem for our elderly population.”