Top Reasons People Fall in Their Home: The Statistics

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In this series, we will provide information on falls and what can be done to prevent them from leading authorities like the Centers for Disease Control.

Senior Fall Statistics:

  • The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than men.

  • Annually, falls are reported by one-third of all people 65 and older.

  • Two-thirds of those who fall will fall again within six months.

  • Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 or over.

  • Approximately 9,500 deaths in older Americans are associated with falls each year. The elderly account for seventy-five percent of deaths from falls.

  • More than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or over, only 4 percent of the total population.

  • Among people 65 to 69, one out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture, and among those 85 or over, one fall in 10 results in a hip fracture.

  • One-fourth of those who fracture a hip die within six months of the injury.

  • The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning. Twenty-five percent of those who fracture a hip require life-long nursing care. About 50 percent of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home.

  • Most falls do not result in serious injury. However, there is often a psychological impact. Approximately 25 percent of community-dwelling people 75 or over unnecessarily restrict their activities because of fear of falling.

  • The majority of the lifetime cost of injury for people 65 or over can be attributed to falls.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, Colorado State University 

 Why One Call Alert? This year 13.5 million people age 65 and older will fall. If you or a loved one experience a medical emergency, time is of the essence. That’s where One Call Alert can help, connecting you to the right help for the situation, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at the push of a button. Whether you need emergency services or just the assistance of a family member or friend to help you get back on your feet, we can help.