Statistics and Falls

Falls in Wisconsin

Wisconsin ranks #1 in fall-related deaths in the United States with 157 deaths per 100,000 older adults. That is more than twice the national average (CDC-WISQARS_2020). In 2020, 1,791 Wisconsin residents, age 65 and older, had a fall that resulted in death.

2020 Fall Related Deaths in Wisconsin by Age

Data Source: NCHS Vital Statistics System for numbers of deaths.

Bureau of Census for population estimates.

Falls in the United States

Data Source: CDC, Facts About Falls

• Among older adults, fall death rates have increased 30% from 2007 to 2016.

• If rates continue to rise, we can anticipate seven (7) fall deaths every hour by 2030.

• One out of four adults, age 65 and older, fall each year but less than half talk to their health care provider about it.

• Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

• One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.

• Annually, three (3) million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall inquries.

• Due to a fall injury, over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized.

• More than 95% of hip fractures among older adults are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.

• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

• Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities leading to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases their actual risk of falling.

• The total medical costs for fall injuries is more than $50 billion annually; Medicare and Medicaid shoulders 75% of these costs.

 

Additional Facts

Facts About Falls (CDC Fact Sheet)

Older Adult Falls Reported by State (CDC Fact Sheet)

Deaths from Older Adults Falls (CDC Fact Sheet)

Cost of Older Adult Falls (CDC Fact Sheet)