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Falls remain the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury for older Americans. Falls threaten their safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.

Get the Facts

  • More than 1 out of 4 adults aged 65 and older fall each year.1
  • More than 80% of hip fractures are caused by falling.1
  • Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.1
  • From 2019-2023, falls were the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among South Carolina residents 65 and older.2
  • In 2023, 725 South Carolinians 65 and older died as a result of an unintentional fall.2
  • In 2023, nonfatal unintentional fall-related injuries among South Carolinians 65 and older accounted for almost 12,300 hospitalizations and 59,700 emergency department visits.3

Citations

  1. CDC - Facts About Falls: Older Adult Fall Prevention
  2. South Carolina (SC) Department of Public Health Vital Statistics, 2019-2023.
  3. SC Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Discharges, 2023.

Are You at Risk?

  • The chance of falling and being seriously injured from a fall increase with age. As people get older, they are more likely to fall.
  • The 85 and older age-group is at the greatest risk for falling.
  • People who are not physically active are more likely to fall.
  • Older adults are at greater risk for dying from a fall.
  • People who are afraid of falling or who have fallen in the past are more likely to fall.

4 Things YOU Can Do to Prevent Falls

  1. Begin a regular exercise program. It's important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance.
  2. Have your doctor review your medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines—both prescription and over-the counter—to reduce side effects and interactions that may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
  3. Have your vision checked. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update your eyeglasses to improve your vision.
  4. Make your home safer (pdf). Remove throw rugs and clutter that might cause you to trip. Add grab bars in your bathroom and railings on your stairways. Use brighter light bulbs to improve the lighting in your home.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For additional information please contact injury@dph.sc.gov. 

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Health