Are falls by older adults a serious problem?

Yes, millions of adults over 65 fall each year.

  • More than 25% of adults over 65 fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor
  • Falling once doubles a patient’s chances of falling again
  • One out of five falls causes a serious injury
  • Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries
  • More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling
  • 25% of older adults who fracture a hip from a fall will die within 6 months
  • Medical costs for falls total more than $50 billion per year with Medicare and Medicaid paying about 75% of these costs.