Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. This startling statistic highlights a growing health crisis among America's aging population. Living longer increases the risk of falls and their consequences, making fall prevention a vital public health issue.
With aging, your body weakens. Muscle mass declines, balance deteriorates, and reaction times slow down. These changes, combined with environmental hazards, chronic-health conditions, and age-related hearing loss (ARHL) increase the risk of falls among older adults significantly.
- Over 25% of adults 65+ report falling at least once a year
- 2.8 million fall injuries are treated in emergency departments annually
- More than 800,000 fall-related hospitalizations occur each year. If hospitalized from a fall, the average hospital cost exceeds $30,000.
- The total cost of fall injuries is projected to reach $101 billion by 2030.
Why it matters
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death from injury among older Americans. For example, every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. Death from hip fractures is often the cause because many patients are unsuccessful in recovering from the anesthesia.
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ARHL and falls.
The impact of ARHL on balance and reaction time is part of a complex interplay of factors associated with aging and sensory decline. Here are the factors involved...
- Balance: Hearing loss is often linked to balance disorders in older adults.
- Reaction time: People with untreated hearing loss have slower reaction times.
- Cognitive impact: Cognitive decline may contribute to slower reaction times and potentially affect balance.
- Broader impact: Hearing loss is linked with other factors that may indirectly impact balance, reaction time, and overall physical and cognitive decline, including social isolation, unemployment, and subclinical depression.
Hip fractures by the numbers
Fracturing a hip from a fall is devastating. Consider the following…
- More than 90% of hip fractures occur as a result of falls, mainly affecting people over 70.
- The annual number of hip fractures in the United States is estimated to be between 260,000 and 300,000.
- Future projections: By 2040 in the US, hip fractures are projected to reach more than 500,000[](). By 2050, 650,000 annually (1,800 per day).
- A quarter of older adults who have a hip fracture die within six months of the injury, and more than 50% of survivors are discharged to nursing homes.
Tai chi class.
The challenge
Some older adults avoid fall-prevention training due to concerns about appearing frail or losing independence. After experiencing a fall, some completely avoid physical activity, which increases their future risk of falling.
Practical prevention
- Get your hearing screened. If you have hearing loss, treat it with hearing aids.
- Exercise regularly. Consider low-impact Tai Chi, yoga, or water exercises, which build muscle tone and improve balance.
- Improve home safety. Remove hazards like carpets that slide or poor lighting.
- Review medications. Consult your doctor to check for side effects that might compromise balance and mobility.
- Check bone health. If you have low bone density, your physician can treat it with medications and diet.
- Use assistance. If you have a high risk of falling, consider using a cane or walker for added stability.
The takeaway
It's never too early — or too late — to take steps to prevent falls. Whether you're an older adult looking to maintain your independence or a family member concerned about a loved one's safety, you can take action today to reduce the risk of dangerous falls tomorrow.
Treating hearing loss, a proven way to reduce your risk of falling
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