Statistics on Deaths and Injuries Caused by Falls Among Individuals Over 65 in Europe

According to data shared by the European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (EuroSafe), approximately 35,848 people aged 65 and over across the European Union lose their lives each year as a result of falls.

Falls account for 58 percent of emergency department visits among the elderly population. Approximately half of these cases result in fractures, and one-fifth result in head injuries. Hospitalization rates increase with age; while 32 percent of fall-related injuries in the 65-74 age group require hospitalization, this rate reaches 45 percent for those aged 85 and over.

Experts state that the root causes of falls include loss of muscle strength, balance problems, vision or hearing impairments, and environmental factors. 64 percent of cases occur in the home environment, particularly in living rooms and bedrooms. It is emphasized that in addition to physiotherapy-supported strength and balance exercises, home modifications can reduce injury rates by 20 to 40 percent.