Older Adults Have More Fall-related Emergency Department Visits in Winter

A new CDC paper, Seasonal Variation in Fall-related Emergency Department Visits by Location of Fall—United States, 2015, published in the Journal of Safety Research, found that more older adults (age 65 and older) visited an emergency department (ED) due to a fall in winter than in other seasons.   More men and adults aged 65–74 fell outdoors in the winter than women or those aged 75 or older. The same demographic (men and adults aged 65–74) also had a higher percentage of ED visits due to a slip or trip on ice or snow when compared to others.

 

Weather-related slips and trips in winter may partially account for the seasonal variation of ED visits due to falls. These results can inform healthcare providers about the importance of screening older adults (age 65 and older) for fall risk and help to identify specific patients at increased risk during winter. Healthcare providers can also encourage community-based organizations serving older adults to increase fall prevention messaging during winter months.