First, Some Statistics

United States:

  • Cost of Fall-Related Injuries: Fall-related injuries among older adults cost the US healthcare system over $50 billion (about $150 per person in the US) annually. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC)
  • Emergency Department Visits: Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall-related injury in the United States. (Source: CDC)
  • Leading Cause of Fatal Injuries: Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults in the US. (Source: CDC)
  • Hospitalizations: Falls result in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 28,000 deaths. (Source: CDC)
  • Medication Implications: Nearly 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older report taking medications that increase the risk of falling. (Source: CDC)

Worldwide:

  • Global Burden: Globally, falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths, with adults aged 65 and older being the most vulnerable demographic. (Source: World Health Organization – WHO)
  • Annual Fall-Related Deaths: Each year, an estimated 646,000 individuals die from falls globally. (Source: WHO)
  • Fall-Related Disabilities: Falls are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with many older adults experiencing hip fractures, head injuries, and loss of independence. (Source: WHO)
  • Prevalence in Older Adults: Approximately 37.3 million falls requiring medical attention occur annually worldwide among older adults. (Source: WHO)
  • Economic Impact: Falls impose a significant economic burden on healthcare systems globally, with costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. (Source: WHO)

These statistics underscore the critical importance of fall prevention efforts in both the United States and worldwide, highlighting the need for effective interventions to protect the health and well-being of older adults.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (https://www.cdc.gov)
World Health Organization. (https://www.who.int)