Why Falls Are Rising in Older Adults — and What Medicare and CDC Say to Do About It

Falls remain a major health threat for older adults, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. The CDC says falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, and its newest data show the age-adjusted fall death rate rose from 64.7 per 100,000 in 2018 to 78.4 per 100,000 in 2024.

That matters because a fall can change daily life fast. It can lead to broken bones, head injury, a hospital stay, or a loss of independence. The encouraging part is that many falls can be prevented.

What the newest CDC data show

CDC’s older adult falls data page says more than 14 million adults 65 and older, or about 1 in 4, report falling each year. The agency also says falls are common, costly, and preventable. Its updated national data show the death rate moved higher again in the most recent available numbers.

In plain language: falls are still widespread, and the trend remains concerning. But the CDC’s guidance also makes clear that there is no single cause and no single fix.

Why falls matter

For older adults, the biggest concern is not just the fall itself. It is what comes next. A fall can mean a hip fracture, loss of confidence, less activity, caregiver strain, and a harder time living independently.

CDC also notes that health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease can raise fall risk, especially when combined with vision problems, balance issues, or medicine side effects.

Most useful prevention steps

CDC’s guidance points to a few practical areas that often work best together:

Exercise: Strength and balance activities such as tai chi, yoga, or supervised strengthening can help lower fall risk.
Medicines: Ask a clinician or pharmacist to review prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs that may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or low blood pressure.
Vision: Get regular eye care and make sure glasses prescriptions are current.
Footwear: Wear sturdy, nonslip shoes that fit well.
Home safety: Improve lighting, remove or secure throw rugs, and reduce clutter in walkways.

The CDC’s vision-and-falls guidance also highlights the role of daily habits and surroundings. A safer home, better footwear, and up-to-date vision care can all lower risk in everyday life, especially when combined with exercise and medication review.

How Medicare can help start the conversation

Medicare Part B covers many preventive and screening services, which can help older adults bring up fall risk during a regular visit. That may include discussing balance, medications, vision, and whether a home safety check or other preventive step makes sense.

Coverage details can vary by plan, provider, and location, so it is still worth asking what is available before a visit.

When a fall needs urgent medical attention

Seek emergency care right away if a fall causes a head injury, loss of consciousness, severe pain, trouble walking, a visible deformity, heavy bleeding, or confusion. Also get prompt medical attention if there is a new injury in an older adult who takes blood thinners or if symptoms such as dizziness or weakness started suddenly.

Call a clinician soon if falls are becoming more frequent, if balance has clearly worsened, or if a medicine change may be involved.

Bottom line

For older adults and caregivers, the message from CDC and Medicare is straightforward: falls are common, but prevention is possible. The best next step is not panic. It is a conversation about balance, medicines, vision, footwear, and home safety before the next fall happens.

Sources

Editorial note: Weence articles are researched from cited public-health, medical, regulatory, journal, and reputable news sources and may be drafted with AI assistance. They are checked for source support, clarity, and safety guardrails before publication.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early or incomplete, and health guidance can change. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, medications, vaccines, screenings, or treatment decisions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services right away.