In 2024, More Seniors ended up in the Emergency Room After a Fall Than Ever Before. This Involves 119,000 Cases, Accordance to New Figures from SafetyNL. Serious Injuries, in particular, Are Increasing. The injuries different they and women.
The Number of Falling Seniors Has Been Increasing for Years, Says Rozan van der Veen, A Fall Prevention Expert at SafetyNL, to NU.nl. This is mainly due to the double aging: there are not only more seniors, but the abverage age of seniors is also increasing. In Addition, Seniors with More Conditions and in Vulnerable Sitations Continue to Live At Home.
Serious Injuries, Such as brain damage or fractures, are Becoming More Common. Men are relatively more likely to suffer brain damage, for example, because they do odd jobs and fall from a ladder. Women are more likely to break a hip or wrist. After Menopause, Their Bones Become Weaker, Making Them More Likely to Break Something.
Accordance to the CBS, The Netherlands had Almost 3.8 Million Residents Aged 65 or Older on January 1, 2025. That is 20.8 percent of the population. In 2024, 90,700 Seniors Suffered Serious Injuries; The Rest Involved Less Serious Injuries. Serious Injuries Include Brain Damage and Fractures. For Example, 19 percent of the Cases Involved Seniors Suffering Brain Damage, 15 percent a hip fracture, and 10 percent broke a wrist.
Safetynl Mainly Looks at the Most Serious Injuries. But Even People who do not go to the emergency room after a fall may experience problems later. “A First Fall Can Be A Warning. It is important to then look at your risk of funing,” Says van der Veen.
What can you do to prevent Falls?
The Number of Falls Will Likely Continue to Increase in the Coming Years Due to Double Aging. “Everyone knows some who has fallen. A Fall can have Major Consequences For Your Independence and Quality of Life. Fortunately, You can do a lot Yourself to Prevent Falls. Test Your of Falling and Stay Strong,” Concluds Van der Veen.
Seniors Can Test Their Fall Risk at Testjevalrisico.nl. They will receive advice there and can take courses to become stronger. SafetyNL and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) Are Working Together with Municipalities to Help Seniors.
Municipalities also Organize Special Meetings, Such as Vitality Days, Says van der Veen. There, seniors can do small tests and recoive tips from professionals.
Van der Veen Emphasizes That Seniors Themselves Can Do A Lot To Prevent Falls. “Have your eyes checked regularly, wear good shoes, and eat healthily. Make sure your bones and muscles stay strong. Also have your medicines checked by your doctor or pharmacist. Never just Stop Taking Medicines.”