Source: WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2015
A fall is when a person unintentionally comes to rest on the ground or another lower level. In the past 12 months, how many times have you fallen? (0-100)
Approximately one third (33%) of seniors aged 65+ fell in 2015. The following senior populations were significantly more likely to fall in 2015:
(WNCHN – WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey, 2015)
Each week, there are 1,189 emergency department visits among residents ages 65 and older, 266 hospitalizations, and 17 deaths due to fall injuries in North Carolina.
Lifetime costs associated with fall injuries in 2014 among North Carolina residents ages 65 and older are estimated to be near $1.4 billion dollars.
Each year, more than 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for injuries related to falls. In the United States, 1 out of every 5 falls causes a serious injury.
Source: WNCHN – Online Key Informant Survey, 2018
The information in this section should be interpreted and used with care. It should be used only to help local health departments and agencies begin to understand community perceptions about local health issues. Communities are strongly encouraged to collect their own, local-level data to inform local planning and evaluation activities.
“Injury prevention programming through the local senior center and [local non-profit].”
“Thinking more of seniors and how often they fall and break bones. Need to be more aware of how we maintain our facilities so that they are user friendly for our elderly visitors.”
“Willingness of those involved to seek help.”
The western North Carolina region includes 17 communities: 16 counties and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)
The list below represents a sample of what is happening in the region around this key health issue. Visit www.nc211.org for more resources.
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