Presenter
Samantha Bruno;
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Falls are a leading cause of injury, hospitalization, and death among older adults in Rhode Island. This analysis examines the burden of fall-related mortality, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits among adults aged 65 and older, highlighting trends and opportunities for prevention and policy action. Data were obtained from the Rhode Island Department of Health, with population estimates sourced from the CDC WONDER Online Database based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Blended Base. Fatal falls among older Rhode Islanders have increased each year, although the rate of increase has slowed. Adults aged 65 and older account for 87.9% of fatal falls, underscoring their vulnerability. In contrast, fall-related hospitalizations among older adults have declined, decreasing from 2,406 in 2019 to 1,855 in 2023. In 2023, adults aged 75–84 experienced the highest number of fall-related hospitalizations, followed by those aged 85 and older, while adults aged 65–74 had the fewest.
Despite declining hospitalizations, the continued rise in fatal falls highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies and policy interventions. Effective prevention efforts must consider factors such as age, chronic conditions, living environments, and other risk contributors. Developing and implementing statewide fall-prevention initiatives is essential to improving the health and safety of older Rhode Islanders and reducing fall-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and fatalities.
Faculty Mentor
Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Bruno, Samantha; Dalling, Samaria; and Jacob, Steve, "Fall Outcomes Among Older Adults in Rhode Island" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 337.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/337
