Contents
- Chronic Disease/Injury Prevention and Built Environment
- Healthy Eating and Food Security
- Injury Prevention
- Physical Activity
- Healthy Environments
- Tobacco Control Program
Ministry of Health
Fall Facts
Falls are the main reason why older adults lose their independence.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors. 12 One in three B.C. seniors over the age of 65 will typically experience at least one fall each year. 12
- Seniors comprise only 15% of the Canadian population, but account for 40% of all injury hospitalizations. 10
- It is estimated that over 225,000 B.C. seniors will experience a fall in 2010/2011 and, with an aging population, the number of falls will likely double in 20 years if prevention strategies are not in place. 11
- Falls cause more than 95% of all hip fractures in the elderly 20 and over 20% of seniors who suffer a hip fracture die within a year. 12
- Injuries from falls account for 85% of all injuries to seniors. 12
Staying fall-free can help seniors to stay independent and avoid the need to enter a long-term care facility.
Falls usually happen due to a combination of preventable factors. To learn more about staying independent, please see Fall Prevention Brochures and Pamphlets.
Health care workers can help prevent falls. See these resources designed for use by home support workers, staff in assisted living and residential care, and those in clinical settings.
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