The Impact of Falls Among Older Adults: A Critical Look

Key Statistics on Falls in Adults 65+

• One in four people over 65 falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in this age group (1).

• Approximately 37% of falls result in injuries that require medical attention or activity restriction for at least a day (2).

• Over 3 million emergency department visits annually are due to fall-related injuries among older adults (3).

• About 1 million hospitalizations each year occur because of falls. (3)

• Fall-related deaths are rising sharply: more than 41,000 older Americans died from falls in 2023; death rates for ages 65–74 rose over 70% between 2003 and 2023 (4)

• Falls are the most common cause of hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in older adults. Around 319,000 hip fractures were recorded in one recent year (3).

• Healthcare costs are enormous: it’s estimated that fall injuries cost the U.S. around $80 billion in 2022, projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030 (5).

Why These Numbers Matter

Falls are common, costly, and increasing—but they are also preventable. The rising trend in deaths and hospitalizations emphasizes that even active older adults are at risk—and proactive, home-based interventions can make a real difference.