Older Adult Falls

Older adult couple outside.

Falls—and the injuries and deaths they cause—are increasing, but falls can be prevented.

Take the Falls Free Checkup

Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, falls don’t have to be inevitable as you age. You can reduce your chance of falling or help a loved one prevent falls. There are proven ways to reduce and prevent falls, even for older adults. We identify older adults as anyone 65 years and older. CDC uses data and research [PDF – 1 page] to help prevent falls and save lives.

36,000

Falls among adults 65 and older caused over 36,000 deaths in 2020, making it the leading cause of injury death for that group.

3 Million

In 2020, emergency departments recorded 3 million visits for older adult falls.

$50 Billion

Older adult falls cost $50 billion in medical costs annually, with 3/4 paid by Medicare and Medicaid.


STEADI falls rate 2020