What does the CDC say about fall injuries?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults in the United States. In 2019, falls resulted in an estimated 29,668 deaths among adults aged 65 and older. In addition to the risk of death, falls can also cause serious injuries among older adults. The CDC reports that in 2019, 2.8 million non-fatal fall injuries were treated in emergency departments among adults aged 65 and older. The most common types of injuries were fractures (35.2%), followed by contusions and abrasions (22.5%) and sprains and strains (19.3%).
The risk of falls and fall-related injuries increases with age. The CDC reports that the rate of fall-related deaths among adults aged 65-74 is approximately 30 per 100,000 population, while the rate among adults aged 85 and older is approximately 180 per 100,000 population. Overall, falls are a serious concern for older adults and can have significant impacts on their health and well-being. It is important for older adults and their caregivers to take steps to prevent falls and to seek prompt medical attention in the event of a fall to minimize the risk of injury.
Back to blog