Why are we concerned about falls in
New Hampshire?

As the facts below indicate, falls are a significant problem for older adults and for those who care for and about them.

• Each year, one-third of people aged 65 and older and one-half of those 80 and older will fall.
• Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury death. On average, more than 90 people die each year in New Hampshire as a result of a fall.
• The majority of falls (60%) occur at home.
• More than 90% of hip fractures among adults’ ages 65 and older are caused by falls.
• In one year,there are over 1500 older adults hospitalized on average due to falls. More than half in New Hampshire, there were more than two thousand older adults in the state who were hospitalized due to falls. More than half could not return home or live independently.
• Falls are not a normal part of aging. Older adults can take several steps to protect their independence and reduce their risk of falling.