Most people have tripped and fallen a few times. But for the elderly, falls can be more catastrophic than just bumps and bruises. Knowing the facts about falls and their impact on seniors can help keep you or your elderly loved ones safe.
Learn All About Fall Statistics with this Infographic
Fall Statistics in Elderly Seniors
How often do elderly seniors fall?
Unfortunately, over one-fourth of adults over the age of 65 fall each year.1 Every second of every day an older adult falls.3 And every eleven seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room.2
How many older Americans fall every year?
In 2014, older Americans experienced 29 million falls.3 By 2020, over four million adults are expected to fall and incur an injury every year.2
How serious are fall injuries in seniors?
Falls can cause serious injuries and even death. One in five falls results in a serious injury, including broken bones and head injuries.1 Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized due to fall injuries.1
Fall injuries are the most common cause of TBI (traumatic brain injuries) and more than ninety-five percent of hip fractures are caused by falling.1 These serious statistics are why fall prevention is so important.
Do elderly people die from falls?
Yes, sadly falls are the #1 cause of injury-related death in people over 65 years old.3 Every nineteen minutes an older adult dies as a result of a fall.2
What is the cost of falls in older adults?
The expected direct care cost of falls was more than $50 billion in 2015 and expected to be $67.7 billion in 2020.1,5
What can I do to reduce my risk of falling? How can I prevent my senior from falls?
Simple steps can help reduce your risk of falls. From fall-proofing your home (rugs are a tripping hazard) to using fall prevention tools (use a shower chair to reduce your risk of slips and falls), there are ways to help prevent falls. Learn more about fall prevention, so you don’t become part of the statistics!
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Important Facts About Falls. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2mjZik6
- Patient Safety Center of Inquiry (PSCI) Research Patient Falls. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2ZEh0iQ
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injury and Death in Older Americans. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2cs0VZ5
- National Council on Aging. (n.d.). Fall Prevention Facts. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/1mxuQjq
- Vonnes, C., & Wolf, D. (2017). Fall risk and prevention agreement: engaging patients and families with a partnership for patient safety. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2ZhCtNQ
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