Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury— and deaths from injury – among adults aged 65 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, a study found that, in 2021 alone, there were 38,742 fall-related deaths, among this population representing a 7.6% increase from 2020.

Even minor falls – such as a trip or stumble – can be dangerous for older adults. There are a variety of factors that make falls more dangerous for older adults.

• A fall can significantly impact mobility and contribute to loss of independence and a cascade of issues such as depression, social isolation, and cognitive decline.
• As people age, bone and muscle loss is more common, which increases the likelihood that a fall will result in a fracture. Hip fractures alone are responsible for nearly 30% of fall-related deaths among older adults.
• Older adults are more likely to take blood thinners, which can lead to brain bleeds when head injuries occur. Almost half of fall-related death in the 65-plus population involve a head injury.
• Additionally, many older adults have comorbid conditions and illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis that can make recovery from a fall more difficult and/or more likely to require a hospitalization.

The risk of falls among older adults is significant for a variety of reasons.

• Worsening eyesight and poor hearing
• Decreased lower limb strength
• Gait problems and balance issues.
• Medications that are commonly prescribed for older adults, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, sedatives/hypnotics, and some heart and blood pressure medications, can also contribute to falls.

CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) recommends that older adults get screened for risk of falling and assessed for modifiable risk factors. Suggested intervention strategies include physical therapy, home modification, and medication management.