The rate of deaths from accidental falling incidents among American seniors increased by 31% over a period of almost a decade, according to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

1. Senior Mortality Caused by
Falling Incidents Went Up
31%, Study Shows
Senior Helpers

2. The rate of deaths from accidental falling incidents among American seniors increased by 31% over a
period of almost a decade, according to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the US
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The researchers found that falling-related deaths across the US went up from 18,334 in 2007 to 29,668
in 2016. Maine, Oklahoma, and West Virginia recorded the highest increase in mortality rates, with an
average annual percentage change of 11%, 10.9%, and 7.8%, respectively.
Adults at least 85 years old had the highest mortality rates from accidental tumbles in 2016, according
to the report. The findings also show a greater number of deaths recorded among men compared to
women, and among Caucasian seniors than all other ethnicities combined.
Factors Affecting Senior Fall-Related Incidents
The risk of fall-related incidents grows with age, especially as seniors are living longer, according to
both the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC researchers. Advanced age brings with it
secondary risk factors like loss of balance, reduced physical activity, and increased use of prescription
medications. Chronic health problems also increase the risk of falling incidents.
A study published in the journal BioMed Research International found that chronic health conditions,
such as arthritis, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and stroke, can be used to calculate the likelihood of
first-time accidental falling incidents. Other conditions like heart attack, asthma, and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, meanwhile, can be used to predict the risk of recurrent tumbles.

3. Behavioral and lifestyle factors can also affect the risk of accidental falling incidents. Seniors who are
heavy drinkers, unmarried, and have lower incomes have a higher likelihood of falling compared to
their counterparts.
Fall-Related Incidents Are Still Preventable
Falling incidents among seniors are still preventable despite the rising mortality and morbidity rates,
the CDC researchers noted in their report. Additionally, they recommended that health care providers
talk to seniors about accidental fall risks and fall prevention, particularly during seniors’ annual
wellness visits.
The WHO notes that clinical interventions and home safety assessments would help pinpoint the health
and environmental risk factors for accidental falling incidents. The addition of grab bars, removal of
clutter or slippery rugs, and other simple home modifications can lower the risk of accidental tumbles.
The National Council on Aging and the National Alliance for Caregiving also suggests community-based
fall prevention programs.
Nearly 59,000 seniors may die due to fall-related fatalities by 2030 if the current trend continues to
grow, warn experts from the CDC. Health care providers are urged to take charge of ensuring seniors’
safety through informative dialogues about fall risks, as well as health and home assessments.

4. Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/pdfs/mm6718a1-H.pdf
http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5387801/
https://www.seniorhelpers.com/palmcoast-fl
https://www.ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/Falls-Prevention-Conversation-Guide-for-
Caregivers_Final.pdf