CDC reports rise in unintentional fall deaths in elderly
Erika McGuire
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week released a study showing a sharp rise in unintentional fall deaths among older adults.
The report found that from 2003 to 2023, death rates from falls increased by more than 79% for adults aged 65 to 74. For those ages 75 to 84, the rate jumped more than 75%, and it more than doubled for adults 85 and older.
In Missouri, the CDC found a fall death rate of 64.3 per 100,000 people ages 65 and older in 2023, slightly below the national average of 69.9. The CDC found more than 41,000 retirement-age Americans died of falls in 2023.
The report does not include why there is an increase in falls.
The Columbia Fire Department says it has responded to 677 fall-related calls so far this year. That’s compared to 1,290 calls in 2024 and 1,319 in 2023.
However those numbers show all falls not just falls among the elderly. But the department says most calls are amongst seniors.
Columbia Fire Department spokesperson Katherine Rodgriuez says fall related calls are at the top of medical calls the department responds to.
“The Columbia Fire Department regularly responds to fall related calls especially involving older adults and they are the most common medical calls we receive,” Rodgriuez said.
Falls can happen anytime, anywhere but Rodgruiez says many happen in bathrooms and staircases where medications are needed.
“Poor lighting, cluttered spaces or like grab bars or hand rails not being installed in places where you’re like to fall or trip,” She added.
Health conditions also contribute to falls.
“Mobility and balance issues, side effects from medications can cause folks to be off kilter with their balance,’ Rodgriuez said.
However, the Mayo Clinic recommends several ways to prevent falls.
Review medications with a doctor to check for side effects or interactions that may cause dizziness.
Stay active to maintain strength, balance, and coordination.
Wear sensible shoes with nonslip soles and good support.
Remove home hazards like boxes, loose rugs and electrical cords.
Light up your living space with brighter bulbs and night lights in hallways and bathrooms.
Use assistive devices such as handrails on stairways, grab bars in bathrooms and a sturdy plastic seat for showering.
“Double check there is no clutter in the homes, we encourage residents to have proper lighting in the homes, install grab bars in the bathrooms and check on the adults in your lives make sure they have regular vision and balance checks.” Rodgriuez said.
Smart911 is also a helpful tool. It’s a free app that allows users to create a safety profile, including health history, medications, mobility limitations, home address, and more. The app helps first responders act more quickly and effectively in an emergency.
“It’s for any type of call, not just medical,” Rodriguez said. “We utilize it as a way to get a brief background and context on what’s happening with the resident or patient,”