Falls among Medicare Part A and B beneficiaries increased at a rate of 1.5% per year between 2016 and 2019, a study from researchers at the University of Michigan School of Nursing and other institutions found. 

That translates to an increase of 4.4% over that three-year span, or an additional 106,000 falls every year, generating an extra $1 billion in medical spending. 

The researchers, which also included academics from Brandeis University and the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, noted that they specifically used detailed Medicare claims data to develop a clearer picture of fall rates; falls among older adults tend to go underreported, and many prior analyses rely on self-reported data instead of actual claims records. 

Due to significant variations in fall rates among U.S. counties, the researchers recommended a multi-pronged approach to stemming the tide of falls among older adults. 

“Substantial county-level variability in falls suggests modifiable population-level risk factors that may include physical activity levels, the built environment, prescribing practices, and fall prevention program availability and use,” the researchers wrote. 

While the study specifically focused on falls that resulted in severe to moderate injuries, the researchers also emphasized the importance of identifying and preventing falls that do not result in injury.  

“Although fall prevention programs commonly target severe injuries, moderate injuries, including many that do not require medical treatment, may result in critical downstream health impacts that include fear of falling, social isolation, and declines in mobility and physical conditioning,” they concluded.