Falling can change your life. A seemingly little thing like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can lead to serious problems like a trip to the hospital, injury, or even a long-term disability.
- Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.
- Every 12 seconds, one of those seniors who fall will be admitted to the ER.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death in the U.S.
- One out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States
- About 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths.
- Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.
- One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling—usually by falling sideways.
- Women fall more often than men and account for three-quarters of all hip fractures.
Falls Prevention
Preventing falls is far better than dealing with the aftermath. Download our free room-by-room Home Safety Checklist to get started.