The rising incidence of falls in older adults
- Seoyoung Kang
- Jan 3
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 8
Jan 3, 2026
Seoyoung Kang
Recently, with temperatures plummeting, the number of falls among the elderly has increased. Falls among the elderly in winter are a major problem, as they can lead to serious injuries, including fractures and death, due to decreased muscle strength, balance, and bone density.
According to a study published in the latest issue of the international journal Scientific Reports by Professor Jeong Ju's research team at the Department of Emergency Medicine at Seoul National University Hospital, the risk of falls varies by season. The risk was 27.8% in fall and 25.1% in winter, 2 to 4% higher than in spring and summer.
The researchers noted that the risk of falls increases in autumn due to the high number of mountain climbing and outdoor activities among the elderly, while in winter, icy roads and inadequate warm-up are contributing factors. They also emphasized the importance of fall prevention in all settings, including homes, hospitals, and nursing homes, during the winter.
To prevent such accidents in winter, it's important to maintain an appropriate temperature at home and wear warm, yet not overly long, clothing when outdoors. Clothing that is too long can lead to tripping and falls outdoors, as well as increased risk on icy surfaces. Hospitals and nursing homes require ongoing, systematic inspections. Elderly patients should be provided with sufficient support to prevent muscle strain when getting up or moving. Experts emphasize that falls among the elderly during winter are preventable accidents, requiring systematic management and vigilance both at home and in nursing homes.
