Older Americans are suffering from falls at more than double the rate than just two decades ago, with race and ethnicity shaping who is most at risk. In 2020, over 36,500 Americans age 65 and older died from fall-related injuries—a dramatic jump from 10,100 deaths in 1999. When adjusted for age, the fatal fall rate rose from 29 per 100,000 seniors in 1999, to 69 per 100,000 in 2020.
No demographic is unaffected by the upward trend, and the new study led by Alexis Santos-Lozada, assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University, shows that fall-related death rates more than doubled among both women and men. Yet, white seniors experienced the largest spike, with their rate reaching 78 deaths per 100,000 in 2020. Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American seniors also saw significant increases, and Santos-Lozada emphasizes, “For every group, it’s going in the same direction. That’s concerning.”
Researchers such as Jennifer Tripken at the National Council on Aging point out that these deaths are “just the tip of the iceberg.” Each year, about a quarter of older adults will fall—leading three million to emergency rooms, with more than 800,000 hospitalized, usually suffering a head injury or a broken hip. Health experts stress that risks are elevated by factors like surviving serious illnesses or taking multiple medications. Prevention advice includes reviewing medications with healthcare providers and making homes safer with well-lit spaces, secure staircases, and grab bars.
See: “Rate of Fatal Falls Among U.S. Seniors Doubled in 20 Years” (May 16, 2023)
