With more than 100,000 hospitalizations and nearly 10,000 deaths each year, falls among older adults have physical, psychological, and social consequences, and mark a turning point in people’s lives and a loss of independence. The national action plan to combat falls among older adults aims to reduce fall-related mortality among people aged 65 and older by 20% by 2024.

Santé publique France contributed to the development of this plan and is leading Action 4, “Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the plan regarding the two national and regional objectives: Reduce fatal and disabling falls among older adults by 20% in 3 years,” under Axis 1, “Identifying fall risks and issuing alerts.” The various planned activities will make it possible to assess its effectiveness.

The ChuPADom Survey: Useful Insights into the Circumstances of Falls Among Older Adults and Their Profiles

Conducted in 2018, the ChuPADom survey described the characteristics and circumstances of home falls among hospitalized older adults aged 65 and older and identified profiles of fall victims. Thus, the average age of fall victims is 84.5 years, and nearly 80% of falls occurred during the day. They most frequently occurred while bathing (15%) or walking (14%). More than half of the hospitalized patients had already experienced a fall in the previous 12 months.

Five faller profiles were identified:

• young seniors taking risks and falling from great heights;

• seniors living in a house who fall down the stairs;

• independent older adults falling due to a loss of balance or height;

• dependent older adults falling during low-intensity activities;

• very elderly individuals with limited ability to perform activities of daily living.

An ambitious plan centered on five priority areas

Falls among people aged 65 and older are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in all countries and constitute a major public health problem.

The fall prevention plan spearheaded by the Minister Delegate for Autonomy focuses on informing and raising awareness among all stakeholders—including older adults, caregivers, professionals, elected officials, and civil society—about the risks of falls and their consequences: by combating the trivialization of falls, denial, or the fear of falling, we reduce the risk of falls and their fatal consequences.

The plan is structured around five priority areas and is coordinated in each region by the regional health agencies (ARS), in collaboration with the National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy (CNSA), departmental councils, and other stakeholders involved in preventing loss of autonomy.

Fall Prevention Plan for Older Adults: The Plan’s 5 Key Areas

• Axis 1: Identifying fall risks and raising the alarm

• Axis 2: Adapting the home to prevent fall risks

• Axis 3: Mobility aids designed for everyone

• Pillar 4: Physical activity, the best defense against falls

• Pillar 5: Telecare for everyone