Community

San Diego County reports nearly 40,000 older-adult fall emergencies in 2024

County data show falls were the leading cause of emergency-department visits among residents 60 and older; more than 13,000 were hospitalized and 338 died.

Image credit: Pedro Ribeiro Simões / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; archival 2009 Lisbon photo, illustrative and not connected to the San Diego County data

Falls were the leading cause of emergency-department visits among San Diego County adults age 60 and older in 2024, the county’s Aging & Independence Services reported September 25. Nearly 40,000 older adults sought emergency care for fall-related injuries, more than 13,000 were hospitalized and 338 died, according to the county data.

What it means locally

During Fall Prevention Awareness Week, county officials urged older residents and caregivers to review risks at home and in daily routines. Their recommendations include strength and balance activity, medication reviews, regular vision and hearing checks, better lighting, secured rugs and bathroom grab bars. The county also links to free physical-activity classes and an online risk check through its Aging & Independence Services resources.

Full report and further details: Read original report →