Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths for older New Mexicans

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths for older New Mexicans, the state Department of Health announced this week. They are also the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits for residents 65 and older, according to the agency.

New Mexico is observing Fall Prevention Awareness Week Sept. 21-25.

In 2024, the state recorded 207 unintentional fall-related deaths, with 86% occurring among adults aged 65 and older, according to the most recent data from the New Mexico Department of Health.

Deaths from falls fell 41% between 2020 and 2024, leaving New Mexico’s death rate 30% lower than the national average.

Non-fatal injuries are climbing. The age-adjusted hospitalization rate for falls rose 11% between 2020 and 2024. Emergency room visits for falls among older adults jumped 51% over the same period.

“Most fall-related injuries can be prevented with training and exercise,” Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for the New Mexico Department of Health, said in a news release. “Building physical strength, balance and mobility is the absolute best defense for adults of any age.”

The department recommends older adults find an exercise program to build balance, strength and flexibility.

It also urges residents to ask a health care provider for a fall-risk assessment, review medications for side effects that raise fall risk, get vision and hearing checked yearly, and remove trip hazards at home while adding lighting, handrails and grab bars.

Older New Mexicans can check their fall risk through the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp. The department also directs residents to contact 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or text 66364 (NMDOH) to find a nearby class, and to call New Mexico Aging at 800-432-2080 to connect with local services that support healthy aging and independence.