Falls Among Older Adults

New! Baby Boomers Face Serious Health Threats: Arthritis, Falls Among Biggest Concerns

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for males 80 and older and for females 75 and older. One-fourth of those who sustain a hip fracture die within one year and another 50 percent never return to their prior level of mobility or independence. The elderly are susceptible to falls largely due to the weakening of bones and loss of mobility that come with aging. Advanced age, multiple medications and multiple diseases and disabilities are factors that increase the risk for falls. For an overview of falls among older Utahns, see our Fall Injury fact sheet or Fall-related Traumatic Brain Injury fact sheet.

Two-thirds of all falls occur in the home, and those that happen on stairs and steps are the most deadly. Many falls are caused by tripping on loose rugs or exposed electrical cords inside the home. Outside the home, injuries are sustained in falls from ladders and when stepping into holes and depressions on the property.

Facts About Falls:

• In the United States, one of every three adults 65 years or older will fall each year. More than 10,000 people over age 65 die from fall-related injuries annually.
• By the year 2020, the cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $32.4 billion.
• 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.

• Age: The risk of falling and being injured increases with age. Of all fall deaths, more than 60% involve people ages 75 years or older. People who are 85 or older are 10-15 times more likely to suffer hip fractures than those between the ages of 60 and 65.
• Gender: Women experience more fall-related injuries than men, and sustain 75–80% of all hip fractures. This may be related to the higher prevalence of osteoporosis among women. However, the rate of deaths from fall-related injury is higher among men.
• Health conditions: The risk of fall-related injury is greater for people with osteoporosis, arthritis, neurological and musculoskeletal disabilities, visual impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and clinical depression.
• Medication: Some medicines can cause drowsiness or dizziness, and some drugs can interact with other medicines or alcohol and cause problems that may lead to falling.
• Lifestyle: Lack of regular exercise or physical activity, poor nutrition, low calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking, excessive alcohol use, substance abuse and misuse of medication are all associated with a higher risk of fall injury.
• Environmental hazards: At home or in other places, the following hazards can lead to falling: slippery or wet surfaces, uneven floors and surfaces, poor lighting, loose rugs, unstable furniture, clutter and objects on floors.

To learn how to reduce these risks, click here.