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Senior Fall Prevention
The Facts About Falls
- Falls are a serious public health problem among older adults. In the United States, one of every three people 65 years and older falls each year.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 years and older.
- In 1998, about 9,600 people over the age of 65 died from fall-related injuries.
- The risk of falling increases with age.
- Of all fall deaths, more that 60% involve people who are 75 years or older.
- For people age 65 and older, more than half of all falls happen at home.
- Older adults who fall once are two to three times as likely to fall again within a year.
- Falls account for 87% of all fractures for people 65 years and older. They are also the second leading cause of spinal cord and brain injury among older adults.
- Among older adults, fractures are the most serious health outcomes associated with falls. The most common are fractures of the pelvis, hip, femur, vertebrae, humerus, hand, forearm, leg, and ankle.
- Of all fractures from falls, hip fractures cause the greatest number of deaths and lead to the most severe health problems.
- At least 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.
- Half of all older adults hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently after their injuries.
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