Nonfatal Agricultural Injuries among Colorado Older Male Farmers

Objectives: This study described characteristics and potential risk factors for nonfatal agricultural injuries among older male farmers age 60 years and older in Colorado. Methods: A telephone survey was conducted among 113 older male farmers between 1993 and 1995. Agricultural injuries and potential risk factors were evaluated. Results: A total of 27 injuries were sustained. The leading external cause of injuries was livestock, and most of the injuries affected lower and upper extremities of the body. Injured farmers were more likely to be persons who had gone deeply into debt or who were using prescription medications. Discussion: Older farmers are at risk of injuries. The study results support the need to consider physical limitations of aging in developing prevention programs in agriculture.