Why More Older Adults Are Dying from Falls—And What We Can Do About It
A new U.S. report is shedding light on a disturbing trend: death rates from unintentional falls among older adults are rising dramatically—especially for those over age 85.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2003 and 2023:
- Fall-related death rates rose more than 70% for adults aged 65–74
- Increased over 75% for those aged 75–84
- More than doubled for seniors aged 85+
This trend serves as a sobering reminder that falls are not just a normal part of aging—they are a serious and growing public health issue.
“Falls continue to be a public health problem worth paying attention to,” said Dr. Geoffrey Hoffman, a researcher in geriatric health. “It’s curious that these rates keep rising.”
Falls Are Often the Start of a Downward Spiral
In 2023, over 41,000 older adults died from falls—that’s about 1 in every 56 deaths among retirement-aged Americans.
While a fall might seem like a one-time accident, it often leads to:
- Hip fractures or head trauma
- Permanent disability or loss of independence
- A chain reaction of declining health
Older adults may experience vision or balance issues, be on medications that cause dizziness, or have weakened muscles that make recovery from a fall much harder.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Over half of fall-related deaths occurred in people aged 85 and older
White seniors made up 87% of deaths in this age group
States like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Vermont had the highest rates—possibly due to ice and wintry weather, similar to our weather here in Canada.
Interestingly, older Black adults had the lowest fall-related death rates, a reversal of many typical health disparities. Researchers are still exploring the reasons for these racial and geographic differences.
What Can You Do to Prevent Falls?
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we care deeply about keeping our senior patients safe, independent, and active. Here are a few key prevention tips:
Stay Physically Active
Regular movement strengthens muscles and improves balance.
Get Your Vision & Hearing Checked
Even small changes can make a big difference in fall risk.
Review Your Medications
Some prescriptions increase dizziness—let’s review them together.
Fall-Proof Your Home
Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars, and ensure good lighting.
Ask Us About Fall Risk Screening
Our team can assess your risk and create a plan to reduce it.
Take Action Now—Before a Fall Happens
Falls are preventable, and the earlier we act, the better the outcomes. Whether it’s reviewing medications, encouraging movement, or recommending physiotherapy, Orleans Family Health Clinic is here to support your journey to safer aging.
If you or a loved one is over 65, don’t wait until after a fall to take action.
Contact us today or book a fall-risk assessment or speak with a clinician.
Stay Connected with Orleans Family Health Clinic!
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and Follow to stay up to date on our latest health tips, updates, and wellness advice.
And follow us on social media
Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
