Seniors' Falls in Canada: Second Report Infographic

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians with 20-30% of seniors experiencing one or more falls each year. Falls cause 85% of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations, 95% of all hip fractures, $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs, and over one third of seniors are admitted to long-term care following hospitalization for a fall. The average Canadian senior had to stay in hospital 10 days longer for falls than for any other cause. Falls can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death. Fifty percent of all falls causing hospitalization to happen at home. Injuries due to falls rose 43% between 2003 and 2008. Deaths due to falls rose 65% between 2003 and 2008. The good news is that falls are preventable and action can be taken by all.