Latest Slip and Fall Statistics in Australia and New Zealand (2025)
Falls and fall injuries represent a growing public health challenge in Australia and New Zealand, especially among older adults. With an ageing population, the incidence of falls and fall-related injuries is expected to increase, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies.
In this blog, we will explore the most recent statistics on falls and fall injuries in Australia and New Zealand from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s report on falls and the Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society (ANZFPS). The data includes the prevalence and impact of falls, the risk factors associated with falls, and the strategies being implemented to prevent falls and improve outcomes for those affected.
In this blog:
By understanding the scale and scope of this issue, we can work towards reducing the incidence and severity of falls and fall injuries and improving the quality of life for older adults in our communities. Below, we explore key statistics on falls and related injuries in both Australia and New Zealand.
Key takeaways:
Falls and fall injuries are a significant public health concern in Australia and New Zealand, particularly among older adults.
In 2022–23, there were 238,055 hospitalisations due to falls, accounting for 43.4% of all injury-related hospital admissions.
The age-standardised hospitalisation rate for females was 772.4 per 100,000 population, slightly higher than the rate for males at 732.5 per 100,000.
Older Australians, particularly those aged 65 and over, had the highest rate of deaths due to fall-related injuries in 2021–22, with a crude rate of 138.3 per 100,000 population. This represents a 13.2% increase in fall-related deaths for this age group compared to a decade earlier (2012–13)
Individuals aged 85 and over are significantly more likely to be injured in falls, with the rate of 10,264.7 hospitalisations and 734.8 deaths per 100,00 population.
Notably, females aged 95 and over experienced the highest hospitalisation rate due to falls, at 15,530 per 100,000 population.
Falls can lead to severe injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and even death, making it a critical area of concern.
Treatment of injuries from falls in older people cost over $4.7 billion in 2021-2022.
The fear of falling and the associated loss of confidence may contribute to reduced activity levels and social withdrawal, compounding the challenges posed by fall-related injuries.
The New South Wales (NSW) Health Department's 2023 White Paper on Fall Prevention indicates that falls can be reduced by up to 34% within a year through coordinated, evidence-based interventions.
Falls on stairs or steps can be particularly dangerous, involving high-impact injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
With an ageing population, the risk of fall-related injuries, particularly hip fractures, is likely to increase.
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Falls: A Major Health Risk for Older Australians
Many factors contribute to an increased risk of falling as we age. These include a natural decline in muscle strength and mobility, which can make everyday movements more difficult. Changes in balance and walking patterns also play a role, as do age-related changes in vision and cognitive function. Together, these factors can significantly affect a person’s stability and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of a fall, especially without the right support in place.
In 2022–23, falls accounted for 43.4% of all injury-related hospital admissions in Australia, with over 238,000 hospitalisations recorded during that period. These figures highlight the significant public health impact of falls, especially among older Australians.
The rate of fall-related hospitalisations and deaths also increases with age. Older Australians who are aged 65 and over are found to have the highest rate of hospitalisations and deaths due to injuries acquired from falls. Individuals aged 85 and older experienced 10,264.7 hospitalisations and 734.8 deaths per 100,000 population. Those aged 95 and over were at even greater risk, with the highest hospitalisation rate recorded at 17,200 per 100,000 people. Among this group, females had a particularly high hospitalisation rate, reaching 15,530 per 100,000.
These statistics highlight the potential benefits of proactive fall prevention strategies. Older adults are especially vulnerable due to reduced physical strength, balance issues, and age-related changes in vision and cognition.
Understanding the Far-Reaching Impact of Falls
In 2020-21, treatment of fall injuries was estimated to have cost $4.7 billion. This figure suggests that the burden of falls includes not only healthcare expenses but also broader social and economic costs. For many older Australians and their families, the impact includes not only medical costs but also the loss of independence, reduced mobility, and a decline in quality of life. Falls can limit an individual’s ability to engage in community and social activities, often leading to isolation and emotional distress.
Beyond the direct healthcare costs, falls often result in lost income and productivity for both individuals and their carers. They also place increasing pressure on ambulance services, hospitals, and aged care providers. The emotional effects can also be considerable, with some older adults developing a fear of falling that may lead to decreased activity levels and social withdrawal.
Fall-Related Claims and Costs in New Zealand
According to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), falls account for 39% of all ACC claims in New Zealand, with one in three people over 65 injuring themselves in a fall every year, rising to one in two for people aged 80 or over. As of May 2025, there are currently 350,121 active claims with 218,819 new claims resulting in $627,241,284 in costs. Over the last six years, fall-related injuries have cost the taxpayers $8.6 billion. This financial burden highlights the need to prioritise fall prevention strategies that reduce injuries, lower healthcare costs, and improve quality of life.
There has been a notable increase in fall-related injury claims and associated costs over recent years. In 2022, ACC recorded 750,375 new claims for fall-related injuries, with total active claim costs amounting to approximately $1.86 billion. This trend continued in 2023, with 793,762 new claims and costs rising to $2.15 billion. By 2024, the number of new claims reached 826,459, and the costs escalated to $2.54 billion. In the current year, the costs have reached $627,241,284, with older adults having the highest number of new claims for fall-related injuries.
Disparities in Outcomes Based on Location
In 2022-23, people living in very remote areas were 1.4 times more likely to be hospitalised due to a fall compared to those in inner regional areas. Interestingly, individuals in inner regional areas were 2.2 times more likely to die from a fall than those in very remote areas. This statistic from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is significant because it highlights the disparities in healthcare access and services across different regions in the country.
Individuals living in remote areas may face additional challenges in accessing healthcare services, including a lack of resources, long travel times, and limited medical facilities. These factors may contribute to delays in seeking medical attention after a fall, leading to more severe injuries and a higher likelihood of hospitalisation.
Hospitalisations and Injuries from Falls
In Australia, the latest statistics show that over 1.2 million hospital bed days are utilised by people over 65 years, admitted because of a fall. Older Australians hospitalised due to a fall had an average length of stay in the hospital of 9.5 days.
Falls can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to more serious injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding. These injuries often require hospitalisation, which can be a significant burden on the healthcare system and the individual.
Older adults hospitalised after a fall stay an average of 9.5 days—an extended period that can significantly impact their health and well-being. Lengthy hospital stays can lead to complications, such as hospital-acquired infections, and can result in a loss of mobility and independence, which can further increase the risk of falls and other adverse health outcomes.
In 2022-2023, there were 15,845 recorded incidents of fall-related injuries from stairs and steps that led to hospitalisation. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, falls on stairs or steps can be particularly dangerous because they often involve high-impact injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to prolonged hospitalisations, costly medical treatments, and reduced quality of life.
Several factors may contribute to falls on stairs or steps, such as poor lighting, cluttered or obstructed steps, loose or slippery surfaces, and inadequate handrails or guardrails. Additionally, older adults and individuals with mobility or balance issues may be at an increased risk of falling on stairs or steps, as their physical capabilities decline.
The Cost and Consequences of Hip Fractures
In 2017, the cost of hip fractures was estimated between $139 million and $209 million, with forecasts suggesting an increase to $321 million–$482 million by 2051. However, by 2019–20, health system expenditure on hip fractures had already reached $595 million. With an ageing population, the burden of hip fractures in Australia is projected to increase significantly in both incidence and cost. Between 2013 and 2017, around 16,300 to 17,100 Australians aged 45 and over experienced their first hip fracture each year, with 90% requiring surgery. Though the rate slightly declined by 4.4% by 2016–17, outcomes remain concerning: 26% died within 12 months, and 3% suffered a second fracture. The risk is especially high among aged care residents, who experience hip fractures at over five times the rate of community dwellers aged 65 and over.
The AIHW's Hip Fracture Care Pathways report highlights these trends and calls for national action. This trend highlights the value of developing comprehensive fall prevention and post-fracture care strategies, particularly among older adults. Such strategies include environmental safety improvements, mobility aids, exercise programs, and targeted support for at-risk populations like aged care residents.
Related reading: Why Hip Injuries Cause So Much Damage to the Elderly
Fall Prevention is the key
There is hope in the fight against falls. The Fall Prevention in NSW White Paper 2023, released by the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC), underscores the urgent need to address this growing issue. The report shows that coordinated, evidence-based fall prevention strategies can reduce the incidence of falls by up to 34%. It outlines nine key recommendations, including the development of a five-year coordinated Falls Action Plan, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, improved data collection, and the creation of a centralised hub for fall prevention resources. The paper also emphasises the importance of collaboration across healthcare, aged care, and community sectors to effectively reduce the burden of falls and promote safer ageing.
With Australia’s population continuing to age, the cost of fall-related injuries is expected to rise significantly. This reality makes it even more crucial to adopt a coordinated, proactive approach to fall prevention. Such an approach involves not just managing incidents after they occur, but addressing the root causes that lead to falls. This can include public education, home safety improvements, and access to exercise programs that enhance strength and balance. By focusing on these underlying risk factors, we can reduce both the number of falls and the long-term impact on individuals and the healthcare system.
The statistics above clearly show how widespread and serious the risk of falls can be. While older adults are most commonly affected, others are at risk too, such as lone workers, individuals living with disabilities, or anyone requiring emergency support, even within their own home. Falls are not only a physical risk; they can also have a lasting impact on mental health. Injuries sustained from falls may lead to long-term disability or even death, while the fear of falling can cause anxiety, reduced activity levels, social isolation, and depression.
Effective fall prevention can also help support independence, mobility, and quality of life, particularly for older adults. Strategies can include modifying living environments to remove hazards, engaging in targeted strength and balance training, wearing supportive footwear, and properly managing medications. These steps all help lower the risk of falling and support a healthier, safer lifestyle, especially for older adults.
From a broader perspective, fall prevention is a critical public health priority. Falls represent a major burden on healthcare systems, resulting in increased hospital admissions, long-term care requirements, and rising costs. Investing in prevention has the potential to ease pressure on emergency and aged care services, reduce healthcare costs, and support healthier, more independent living.
How to Prevent Falls at Home
Preventing falls at home begins with small, practical changes that can make a big difference. By being proactive and aware of your environment, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury and maintain your independence for longer. Below are some effective strategies to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
Stay physically active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or other exercises that improve balance, strength, and flexibility.
Keep your home safe: Make sure your home is well-lit, remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs and clutter, install handrails on stairs, and use non-slip mats in the bathroom.
Wear appropriate footwear: Wear shoes with good support and non-slip soles, and avoid wearing shoes with high heels or worn soles.
Review medications: Some medications can increase the risk of falls, so it's important to regularly review your medications with your healthcare provider.
Have your vision checked: Regular eye check-ups can help detect vision problems that can increase the risk of falls.
Be aware of hazards in public places: Be cautious when walking on uneven or wet surfaces, and be aware of obstacles and tripping hazards.
Use mobility aids if needed: If you use a walking aid, make sure it is the correct height and in good condition.
Suggested Reading: Balance Exercises for Seniors: Prevent Falls and Injuries
How Tunstall Can Support Fall Prevention Efforts
In recent years, Tunstall Healthcare has been a strong advocate for enhanced fall prevention efforts. We understand the profound impact that falls can have, particularly on older adults and people living with disabilities, and the broader effects on families and communities.
To help address this issue, Tunstall has developed innovative personal safety solutions like the Tunstall Gem4, which is a modern personal alarm pendant with fall detection. This discreet device offers peace of mind by allowing users to call for assistance at the touch of a button in the event of a fall or emergency. We also collaborate with leading allied health professionals and retirement communities to support healthy, independent living, regardless of a person’s age, health, or ability.
Even with precautions in place, falls can still occur. That’s why having immediate access to help is essential. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can support your safety and well-being.
Keep reading: Falls Prevention Strategies in Aged Care and for the Elderly
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