Rising Incidence of Falls Among Older Adults in Shandong, China

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of Injury Prevention has revealed a growing incidence of falls among older adults in Shandong Province, China. The research, conducted between 2015 and 2021, found that there were 5314 recorded fall cases among 631,001 older adults, resulting in an overall incidence of 196.64 per 100,000 person-years. The study highlighted a significant upward trend in falls, with females demonstrating 1.78 times higher risk than males and adults aged 85 facing twice the risk of those aged 60-64.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant upward trend in falls among older adults in Shandong Province, China, with an overall incidence of 196.64 per 100,000 person-years.
  • Females demonstrated 1.78 times higher risk of falls than males, while adults aged 85 faced twice the risk of those aged 60-64.
  • Geographically, Weihai recorded the highest incidence of falls, with 446.80 per 100,000 person-years, while Dezhou exhibited the most rapid increase.
  • Seasonal analysis revealed peak incidence in summer, with significant differences in seasonal distribution by sex and age groups.
  • The study found that males experienced more head and neck trauma, while females showed higher fracture rates.
  • Urgent interventions are needed, particularly for high-risk groups including women, the oldest old (85 years), and residents of coastal areas.

Statistics:

  • Overall incidence of falls among older adults in Shandong Province, China: 196.64 per 100,000 person-years.
  • Females demonstrated 1.78 times higher risk of falls than males.
  • Adults aged 85 faced twice the risk of those aged 60-64.
  • Weihai recorded the highest incidence of falls, 446.80 per 100,000 person-years.
  • Dezhou exhibited the most rapid increase in falls, with an APC of 42.13%.
  • Peak incidence of falls occurred in summer, with 1394 cases (26.23% of total cases).
  • Males experienced more head and neck trauma: 488 (50.36%) and 77 (53.85%), respectively.
  • Females showed higher fracture rates: 2892 (68.11%).

Sources:

  • Chen et al. (2025). Epidemiology and clinical consequences of falls among older adults in Shandong, China: a retrospective cohort study (2015-2021). Injury Prevention, 2025.
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China.
  • Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province.
  • Department of Health Statistics, Shandong Second Medical University.
  • Bmj Publishing Group, British Med Assoc House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, England.