Facts About the Health of Older People in B.C.

How healthy are older people in B.C.?

Fall-Related Injuries:

Falls are the most common cause of injury among older people, and can lead to disability and premature death.

  • Each year, one in three older persons in B.C. has at least one fall. (11)
  • It is estimated that over 200,000 older people in B.C. experienced a fall in 2006. With aging of the B.C. population, falls may rise to over 442,000 per year by 2031 if prevention strategies are not in place. (11)
  • Injuries from falls account for 85% of all injuries to people aged 65 or older, and cost the province $151 million annually for health care services (as of 2005). (11)
  • Between April 2001 and April 2004, over 16,000 B.C. seniors were hospitalized for a broken hip.  This represents about 43% of all fall-related hospitalizations for seniors. (11)
  • Falls cause more than 90% of hip fractures and 20% of older people who suffer a hip fracture die within a year. (11)