Do older adults in the US often visit the ER for nonfatal fall injuries?

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older in the United States. Each year, millions of older adults go to the emergency department (ER) because of a fall. Nonfatal fall injuries are very common and often serious enough to require medical attention. According to data from 2018, an estimated 3 million ER visits and more than 950,000 hospitalizations resulted from fall-related injuries among older adults ⁷. This shows that ER visits for nonfatal falls are a major health issue for this age group.

What the research says

Research consistently shows that falls are a leading cause of nonfatal injuries among older adults. A 2020 report from the CDC found that in 2018, about 27.5% of older adults reported falling at least once in the past year, and 10.2% reported an injury from a fall ⁷. The same report noted that falls resulted in approximately 3 million ER visits and over 950,000 hospitalizations or transfers to another facility ⁷. Another source confirms that falls are the leading cause of injury-related ER visits and hospitalizations among older adults ⁶. While some studies focus on fall prevention programs, the high number of ER visits underscores the importance of reducing fall risk. For example, a systematic review on deprescribing psychotropic medications found that high-fidelity interventions could reduce falls, but overall, fall rates remain high ³. The data make clear that nonfatal fall injuries are a frequent reason older adults seek emergency care.

What to ask your doctor

• What can I do to reduce my risk of falling at home?
• Are there any medications I take that might increase my fall risk?
• Should I have a fall risk assessment during my next checkup?
• What exercises or physical therapy programs could help improve my balance and strength?
• How can I make my home safer to prevent falls?