Prevalence of Falls
- Approximately 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year in the U.S. (adults aged 65 and older).
- Out of these, about 8 million result in injury.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors. In 2021, there were around 36,000 deaths attributed to falls in older adults.
Injuries from Falls
- Every year, about 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries.
- More than 800,000 hospitalizations occur due to falls, often involving serious injuries like hip fractures or head trauma.
Fractures
- Falls cause over 95% of hip fractures among older adults.
- Many fall-related fractures involve the spine, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.
Impact on Quality of Life
- Falls can lead to a loss of independence, with many older adults unable to return to living independently after a fall.
- Fear of falling can also lead to a decrease in physical activity, contributing to further decline in balance, strength, and overall health.
Information and statistics sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Council on Aging (NCOA) National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
