Did you know that a Western Australian aged 65+ dies every 18 hours, is hospitalised every 25 minutes and presents to an emergency department every 42 minutes due to a fall?
Falls continue to cause significant burden to our older adults, their loved ones and the WA healthcare system. Injury Matters’ 2024 Western Australian Falls Report provides the latest statistics regarding the incidence of falls in WA and deep dives into high-risk population groups, including older adults.
Older adults are overrepresented in a number of metrics regarding falls. In 2022 Western Australians aged 65-84 experienced the highest number of falls hospitalisations and people aged 85+ experienced the highest rate of falls hospitalisations. Once hospitalised due to a fall people aged 65-84 spend on average 9.3 days in hospital and people aged 85+ spend 10.2 days.
In isolation the incidence of falls among our older adults is concerning. However, when looking at recent trends the growing impact of falls in WA is alarming. There has been a 55% increase in the number of Western Australians aged 65+ who died due to a fall from 2017 to 2021.
Falls can happen to anyone, however age-related biological changes, including changes in balance, strength, mobility, vision and cognition, can increase the risk of falls in older adults. Additionally, the common presence of co-existing medical conditions and the frequent use of medications places older adults at a heightened risk of experiencing a fall.
Thanks to countless research projects, there is a strong evidence base regarding effective initiatives to reduce falls among older adults. Now the focus must turn to working with older adults to engage in evidence-based initiatives.
If you are interested in building your capacity to prevent falls among older adults, be sure to engage in the variety of Stay On Your Feet® activities available for health professionals.
Injury Matters developed the 2024 WA Falls Report with funding from the Western Australian Department of Health.