273 Australians end up in hospital every day from falls—here’s how to make sure you’re not next

Every day in Australia, 273 people ended up in hospital because of a fall.

For many, it was just another number—but for Australians over 65, the risk loomed far larger.

A single misstep could change a life in an instant.

Falls were confirmed as Australia’s leading cause of injury hospitalisation and death, representing 43 per cent of injury hospitalisations and 42 per cent of injury deaths, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

The impact on older Australians and their families went beyond statistics.

People aged 65 and over were eight times as likely to be hospitalised and 68 times as likely to die from a fall than those aged 15–64.

Analysis by iSelect of health data from July 2023 to June 2024 revealed that while falls accounted for the largest portion of injury hospitalisations, the demographic story was complex.

Almost two-thirds of hospitalisations due to falls were female, yet men had a 36.1 per cent higher overall admission rate for injuries and a higher age-standardised rate of deaths from falls.

The increased vulnerability of older adults was not just about age—it reflected changes in bone density, muscle tone, balance and eyesight, which also influenced recovery and quality of life after a fall.

When falls occurred, the consequences were often severe: half of hospitalised falls involved a fracture, and open wounds were the next most common injury.

Falls were the leading cause of hip fracture hospital admissions, accounting for nine in ten cases.

The financial costs were substantial, with falls costing $4.3 billion annually, equivalent to $153 per capita, and hospitalised older Australians had an average length of stay of 9.5 days, though recovery often continued long after discharge.

Most falls requiring hospitalisation occurred in the home, over half on single-level surfaces, while seven per cent involved stairs or steps.

The good news was that falls were largely preventable, with multiple component group exercise, home exercise programs, tai chi and multifactorial interventions—including individual risk assessment—reducing both the rate and risk of falls.

Australian states supported fall prevention, with Western Australia’s 'Stay on Your Feet' initiative and Queensland Health’s bathroom safety resources offering practical guidance.

Admission rates due to falls rose consistently with age—4.5 per cent per year for men (doubling every 15.7 years) and 7.9 per cent per year for women (doubling every 9.1 years) beyond age 40—highlighting the increasing importance of prevention.

Simple home modifications could make a significant difference, and many councils offered home safety assessments, while physiotherapists could design exercises to improve balance and strength.

Preventive action was not about limiting life—it ensured it could be lived fully.