Falls ‘main cause of death’ among elderly people

ACCIDENTAL falls is a leading cause of death and disability among the elderly, according to health experts.

And better care for them could cut the €18 million annual cost of hip fracture rehabilitation and reduce pressure on A&E units and hospital beds.

Speakers due to attend the First International Conference on Balance and Falls Management in the Older Person in Dublin next month will hear that accidental falls are not only costly to the economy, but are a leading cause of death and disability.