In France, more than 20,000 people over the age of 65 died after a fall in 2024, according to data published by Public Health France. This figure represents a significant increase compared to 2019, with approximately 5,000 additional deaths recorded during that period.
Falls have long been the leading cause of accidental death among seniors, far surpassing road accidents. For comparison, just over 3,000 people died on the roads in 2024. In response to this phenomenon, authorities launched a prevention plan in 2022 aimed at reducing these accidents by 20% by the end of 2024.
An increase that is still difficult to explain
Despite these measures, the trend remains upward. Between 2019 and 2024, the mortality rate from falls among those over 65 increased by 18%, a rise that cannot be explained solely by the aging population. This increase is particularly pronounced among people over 85.
Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this phenomenon. The consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic may have weakened some seniors, particularly due to the illness itself or a decrease in physical activity linked to periods of isolation and lockdown. The data also show differences between the sexes: women are more often hospitalized after a fall, but men are more likely to die from them.
Faced with this situation, Public Health France believes it is necessary to continue surveillance and prevention efforts in order to limit the impact of these accidents, which represent a major public health issue in a society where the population continues to age.
