Facts About Falls

"I've fallen and I can't get up!"

Most of us will instantly recognize that familiar phrase and groan, nod, or smile. Unfortunately, for thousands of Americans, it's an unpleasant fact of life.

• Each year, one in every three adults age 65 or older falls. More than half of these falls (57%) happen at home, with falls from stairs or slipping, tripping or stumbling the most common causes of major injury among seniors.
• A National Safety Council report reveals that almost 12,000 deaths each year occur at homes due to stair accident falls.
• Seniors are nine times more likely to be hurt in a fall than someone under age 65.
• Nearly two-thirds of injury-related hospitalizations for seniors are the result of falls.
• Twenty to 30% percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around or live independently, and increase the risk of early death.
• Hip fractures are the most common injury.