Societal Consequences of Falls in the Older Population: Injuries, Healthcare Costs, and Long-Term Reduced Quality of Life

TLDR

Fall incidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The study aimed to quantify the incidence, healthcare costs, and quality‑of‑life impact of fall‑related injuries among older Dutch adults presenting to emergency departments between 2003 and 2007. Using data from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System and a patient follow‑up survey, the authors calculated injury incidence, discharge rates, costs, and quality‑of‑life measures, finding that 70 % of injuries involved upper or lower limbs and were mainly fractures (60 %). The analysis revealed that fall‑related injuries cost €474.4 million—representing 21 % of injury‑related healthcare expenses—caused reduced quality of life for up to nine months, and underscored the need for fall‑prevention strategies in the aging population.

Abstract

Fall incidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the incidence, costs, and quality of life for fall-related injuries in the older Dutch population presenting at the emergency department.Data on fall-related injuries in persons aged 65 years or older were retrieved from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System, which records injuries treated at the emergency department, and a patient follow-up survey conducted between 2003 and 2007. Injury incidence, discharge rates, healthcare costs, and quality of life measures were calculated.Fall-related injuries were to the upper or lower limb in 70% of cases and consisted mainly of fractures (60%), superficial injuries (21%), and open wounds (8%). Falls led to a total healthcare cost of €474.4 million, which represents 21% of total healthcare expenses due to injuries. Both admitted and nonadmitted patients reported a reduced quality of life up to 9 months after the injury.Fall-related injuries in older adults are age and gender related, leading to high healthcare consumption, costs, and long-term reduced quality of life. Further implementation of falls prevention strategies is needed to control the burden of fall-related injuries in the aging population.