The Facts Behind Falls

THE FACTS BEHIND FALLS

WHEN CAN FALLS HAPPEN?

30% of people over 65 fall each year

15% of elderly falls are caused by things that would cause most people to fall

Women are more likely to fall than men

Reduced muscle function and eyesight are often causes of falling in the elderly

Someone who has already had a fall is more likely to fall again in the future.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Preventing Falls in Older People, June 2013

WHAT CAN FALLS DO?

Falls are the most common cause of hip fractures

1 in 5 elderly falls may need medical attention

On average, 31% of all falls in people over 60 result in a hospital admission

Falls can cause elderly people to avoid everyday activities and become isolated

27% of people aged over 75 admitted to a hospital after a fall are transferred to longstay care

Cost of falls in over 60s to the NHS can exceed £900 million a year

Older people are at a much higher risk of hip fractures because of their weaker bones

1 in 5 people who have a hip fracture will have another within two years

1 in 12 people die within a month after a hip fracture and 1 in 5 die within 3 months

Half of people who suffer a hip fracture never regain their former level of function