Physical Injury & Falls 

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in persons older than 65 years:

  • Fall injuries result in 2.8 million emergency department visits annually

  • 25% of falls cause serious injuries, such as fractures or traumatic brain injury 

  • The risk of falls and resulting serious injury increases with age. A history of falls is associated with a two- to sixfold increased risk of a future fall

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The following online resources provide access to reliable information about falls and injuries in seniors:​

Prevent Falls and Fractures

For older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems, such as a trip to the hospital, injury, disability, or even death. Information from the National Institute on Aging.

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Falls Prevention Unique to Older Adults

Provides an overview of falls and other medical conditions, falls and medications, and additional health problems related to falls. Information from HealthinAging.org

Fall-Proofing Your Home

Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. There are many changes you can make to your home that will help you avoid falls and ensure your safety. Information from the National Institute on Aging. 

Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults

Encourage patients to use to help identify and eliminate fall hazards in their home. Use this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home. A resource from the  National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Tufts Health Plan has created a set of articles that provide clear and helpful information about falls and fall prevention:

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