At a glance

Falls hospitalisations in Queenslanders 65 years and older in 2020–21 increased with age and over time.

  • standardised rates were 9.3 times higher in adults 85 years and older than for those 65 to 69 years (16,075.8 and to 1,737.0 per 100,000 persons, respectively)
  • were 2.3 times higher in 2020–21 compared to 2002–03 (standardised rate 2,173.7 and 4,961.8 per 100,000 persons, respectively).

Introduction

In older age groups, falls are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Nationally in 2019–20, 77% of injury hospitalisations in adults age 65 and older were due to falls. Hospitalisations due to falls were three times more common than all other injury types combined.1

This section is focused on falls hospitalisations and deaths in older age groups. Fall injuries treated in other settings, or that went untreated, are not included. Results therefore underestimate the population-level impacts of falls injuries. Coding systems used for injuries are more complex than for other health conditions included in this report and have changed over time.

For data source technical specifications and for data comparability information please refer to the technical notes at the end of this section.

Hospitalisations

In 2020–21, the Queensland, age-standardised hospitalisations rate (ASR or standardised rate) for falls among those 65 years and over was 4,961.8 per 100,000 persons (Figure 1).2

Demographic differences

Hospitalisation rates varied by demographic characteristics. In 2020–21, the Queensland standardised hospitalisation rate for falls in adults 65 years and older was 1.4 times higher in females than males (5,661.6 compared to 4,137.8 per 100,000, respectively) (Figure 1).

  • Females have consistently higher fall hospitalisation rates than males for all age groups (Figure 1). The highest age-specific rate was in females 85 years and older (17,361.0 per 100,000).
  • Hospitalisation rates increase markedly with increasing age—the rate of hospitalisations in adults 85 years and older was 9.3 times higher than for those 65 to 69 years (16,075.8 compared to 1,737.0 per 100,000 persons, respectively).

Remoteness and socioeconomic differences

Regions within Queensland can be classified by remoteness3 and the area-based index of relative socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage.4

  • Rates were higher in major cities but otherwise did not show a consistent relationship with remoteness or socioeconomic status (Figure 1).
  • In 2020–21, the standardised hospitalisation rate for falls in adults 65 years and older was 24.7% higher in major cities compared to inner regional areas (5,325.6 compared to 4,269.9 per 100,000 persons, respectively).

Figure 1: Queensland hospitalisations for falls in adults 65 years and older, 2020–21

Figure 1a: Queensland hospitalisations for falls in adults 65 years and older, 2020–21 (persons, males, females, age-groups+)
Bar chart of falls hospitalisations per 100,000 persons 65 and older, by age and sex, and remoteness and sociodemographic status, 2020.
Figure 1b: Queensland hospitalisations for falls in adults 65 years and older, 2020–21 (remoteness and socioeconomic status)
Bar chart of falls hospitalisations per 100,000 population, persons 65+, by remoteness and socioeconomic status
Figure 1c: Queensland hospitalisations for falls in adults 65 years and older, 2020–21 (table) Ordered by sub-population
YearSub populationRateLCIUCIStandardisation
2020-21Persons 65+4961.84913.55010.5ASR
2020-21Males 65+4137.84071.74204.7ASR
2020-21Females 65+5661.65591.75732.2ASR
2020-21Persons 65 to 691737.01686.21789.0Age specific rate
2020-21Persons 70 to 742703.62636.22772.2Age specific rate
2020-21Persons 75 to 794344.44241.94448.8Age specific rate
2020-21Persons 80 to 848038.47864.28215.4Age specific rate
2020-21Persons 85+16075.815820.816333.8Age specific rate
2020-21Males 65 to 691370.41306.01437.1Age specific rate
2020-21Males 70 to 742211.72125.32300.6Age specific rate
2020-21Males 75 to 793574.23441.33711.0Age specific rate
2020-21Males 80 to 846504.56275.46739.8Age specific rate
2020-21Males 85+14053.713672.414442.9Age specific rate
2020-21Females 65 to 692086.32008.62166.3Age specific rate
2020-21Females 70 to 743184.43081.83289.5Age specific rate
2020-21Females 75 to 795074.04919.65232.1Age specific rate
2020-21Females 80 to 849369.59112.99631.5Age specific rate
2020-21Females 85+17361.017022.517704.5Age specific rate
2020-21Major city5325.65261.65390.2ASR
2020-21Inner regional4241.74151.04333.8ASR
2020-21Outer regional4666.94538.44798.1ASR
2020-21Remote & very remote4269.93889.94676.6ASR
2020-21Most disadvantaged4724.24625.64824.3ASR
2020-21Q24819.44719.24921.2ASR
2020-21Q35268.45154.15384.7ASR
2020-21Q45184.15070.35299.8ASR
2020-21Most advantaged4880.94765.84998.0ASR

Trends

Queensland standardised hospitalisation rates for falls in adults 65 years and older increased 2.3 times from 2002–03 to 2020–21 (Figure 2). The increase was higher in males (2.6 times) than in females (2.2 times).

  • Increasing trends in rates were evident in both sexes and all age groups 65 years and older (Figure 2) with females having consistently higher hospitalisation rates than males in all age groups and at all comparative times points.

Figure 2: Trends in Queensland hospitalisations for falls in adults 65 years and older

Figure 2a: Trends in Queensland hospitalisations for falls in adults 65 years and older (persons, males, females 65+)
Line chart of trends in falls hospitalisation per 100,000 population 65 and older, persons, males, females,  2002-03 to 2020-21
Figure 2b: Trends in Queensland hospitalisations for falls in adults 65 years and older (males and females 5 year age groups (65+))
Line chart of trends in falls hospitalisation per 100,000 population 65 and older, persons, males, by age-groups, 2002-03 to 2020-21
Figure 2c: Trends in Queensland hospitalisations for falls in adults 65 years and older (table) Ordered by sub-population
YearSub populationRateLCIUCIStandardisation
2002-03Persons 65+2173.72129.72218.4ASR
2003-04Persons 65+2254.72210.72299.4ASR
2004-05Persons 65+2286.82243.22331.1ASR
2005-06Persons 65+2286.92244.12330.4ASR
2006-07Persons 65+2423.42380.22467.3ASR
2007-08Persons 65+2453.52410.72496.9ASR
2008-09Persons 65+2592.72549.32636.7ASR
2009-10Persons 65+2636.22593.12679.9ASR
2010-11Persons 65+2814.62770.82859.0ASR
2011-12Persons 65+2844.02800.72887.8ASR
2012-13Persons 65+3108.73064.23153.7ASR
2013-14Persons 65+3206.63162.13251.6ASR
2014-15Persons 65+3449.83404.53495.6ASR
2015-16Persons 65+4264.94215.44314.9ASR
2016-17Persons 65+4497.54447.54547.9ASR
2017-18Persons 65+4663.54613.64713.8ASR
2018-19Persons 65+4671.04622.04720.3ASR
2019-20Persons 65+4688.64640.64737.0ASR
2020-21Persons 65+4961.84913.55010.5ASR
2002-03Males 65+1565.21505.81626.4ASR
2003-04Males 65+1669.41609.21731.2ASR
2004-05Males 65+1728.31668.31790.0ASR
2005-06Males 65+1725.91667.41785.9ASR
2006-07Males 65+1882.71823.11943.8ASR
2007-08Males 65+1850.71793.01909.8ASR
2008-09Males 65+1936.01877.91995.4ASR
2009-10Males 65+2033.81975.32093.7ASR
2010-11Males 65+2200.42140.72261.2ASR
2011-12Males 65+2164.32106.22223.6ASR
2012-13Males 65+2492.22431.22554.3ASR
2013-14Males 65+2529.32469.12590.7ASR
2014-15Males 65+2789.12727.12852.2ASR
2015-16Males 65+3395.73328.73463.7ASR
2016-17Males 65+3627.43559.53696.2ASR
2017-18Males 65+3744.43677.03812.7ASR
2018-19Males 65+3873.33806.23941.3ASR
2019-20Males 65+3921.03855.03987.8ASR
2020-21Males 65+4137.84071.74204.7ASR
2002-03Females 65+2590.42527.82654.2ASR
2003-04Females 65+2664.82602.32728.5ASR
2004-05Females 65+2690.42628.32753.6ASR
2005-06Females 65+2685.22624.22747.3ASR
2006-07Females 65+2815.82754.22878.5ASR
2007-08Females 65+2895.42833.82958.1ASR
2008-09Females 65+3078.33015.43142.2ASR
2009-10Females 65+3090.93028.73154.1ASR
2010-11Females 65+3278.63215.53342.6ASR
2011-12Females 65+3361.83299.03425.6ASR
2012-13Females 65+3582.93518.93647.7ASR
2013-14Females 65+3729.63665.33794.8ASR
2014-15Females 65+3960.13895.04026.0ASR
2015-16Females 65+4968.24896.35041.0ASR
2016-17Females 65+5212.55139.95285.8ASR
2017-18Females 65+5417.65345.05491.0ASR
2018-19Females 65+5336.55265.85407.9ASR
2019-20Females 65+5340.65271.25410.6ASR
2020-21Females 65+5661.65591.75732.2ASR
2002-03Males 65 to 69541.5485.4602.4Age specific rate
2003-04Males 65 to 69523.5469.7581.9Age specific rate
2004-05Males 65 to 69606.7549.9667.7Age specific rate
2005-06Males 65 to 69543.3490.9599.8Age specific rate
2006-07Males 65 to 69658.9602.0719.6Age specific rate
2007-08Males 65 to 69700.0642.7760.9Age specific rate
2008-09Males 65 to 69652.7598.5710.5Age specific rate
2009-10Males 65 to 69746.4689.9806.3Age specific rate
2010-11Males 65 to 69801.9744.8862.1Age specific rate
2011-12Males 65 to 69725.6672.8781.5Age specific rate
2012-13Males 65 to 69867.4811.4926.1Age specific rate
2013-14Males 65 to 69856.9802.8913.6Age specific rate
2014-15Males 65 to 69893.5839.3950.3Age specific rate
2015-16Males 65 to 691113.11053.41175.2Age specific rate
2016-17Males 65 to 691115.51056.61176.8Age specific rate
2017-18Males 65 to 691213.21151.71277.2Age specific rate
2018-19Males 65 to 691318.61254.71385.0Age specific rate
2019-20Males 65 to 691369.31304.41436.6Age specific rate
2020-21Males 65 to 691370.41306.01437.1Age specific rate
2002-03Males 70 to 74795.8721.9875.1Age specific rate
2003-04Males 70 to 74807.3733.3886.8Age specific rate
2004-05Males 70 to 74818.4744.1897.9Age specific rate
2005-06Males 70 to 74849.3774.0930.0Age specific rate
2006-07Males 70 to 74973.9894.01058.9Age specific rate
2007-08Males 70 to 74926.8850.21008.6Age specific rate
2008-09Males 70 to 741022.5943.41106.5Age specific rate
2009-10Males 70 to 74985.7909.81066.2Age specific rate
2010-11Males 70 to 741137.61058.11221.5Age specific rate
2011-12Males 70 to 741050.9976.31129.7Age specific rate
2012-13Males 70 to 741215.11136.51297.6Age specific rate
2013-14Males 70 to 741318.41238.11402.6Age specific rate
2014-15Males 70 to 741441.01359.01526.6Age specific rate
2015-16Males 70 to 741682.21595.91772.0Age specific rate
2016-17Males 70 to 741794.41707.61884.5Age specific rate
2017-18Males 70 to 741817.21733.21904.2Age specific rate
2018-19Males 70 to 741943.91859.72031.0Age specific rate
2019-20Males 70 to 741890.81809.51974.7Age specific rate
2020-21Males 70 to 742211.72125.32300.6Age specific rate
2002-03Males 75 to 791310.11201.01426.4Age specific rate
2003-04Males 75 to 791471.91357.91592.8Age specific rate
2004-05Males 75 to 791528.31414.01649.5Age specific rate
2005-06Males 75 to 791498.11386.01616.9Age specific rate
2006-07Males 75 to 791476.41366.21593.1Age specific rate
2007-08Males 75 to 791536.01424.31654.2Age specific rate
2008-09Males 75 to 791677.11560.61799.9Age specific rate
2009-10Males 75 to 791709.61592.31833.2Age specific rate
2010-11Males 75 to 791757.61639.31882.2Age specific rate
2011-12Males 75 to 791850.71730.91976.7Age specific rate
2012-13Males 75 to 792178.72050.82312.4Age specific rate
2013-14Males 75 to 792193.62068.22324.7Age specific rate
2014-15Males 75 to 792496.82366.12632.8Age specific rate
2015-16Males 75 to 792878.82741.93020.6Age specific rate
2016-17Males 75 to 793108.22969.33252.0Age specific rate
2017-18Males 75 to 793254.03115.73396.9Age specific rate
2018-19Males 75 to 793371.03233.53512.9Age specific rate
2019-20Males 75 to 793205.43075.43339.5Age specific rate
2020-21Males 75 to 793574.23441.33711.0Age specific rate
2002-03Males 80 to 842513.62318.12721.2Age specific rate
2003-04Males 80 to 842667.72471.62875.1Age specific rate
2004-05Males 80 to 842635.62445.52836.5Age specific rate
2005-06Males 80 to 842841.62648.13045.5Age specific rate
2006-07Males 80 to 843007.62812.33212.8Age specific rate
2007-08Males 80 to 843018.52825.73220.9Age specific rate
2008-09Males 80 to 843105.42912.93307.2Age specific rate
2009-10Males 80 to 843093.22903.53292.0Age specific rate
2010-11Males 80 to 843551.53351.03760.9Age specific rate
2011-12Males 80 to 843346.83154.73547.6Age specific rate
2012-13Males 80 to 843824.73620.84037.1Age specific rate
2013-14Males 80 to 843858.23655.24069.7Age specific rate
2014-15Males 80 to 844418.34202.44642.3Age specific rate
2015-16Males 80 to 845074.84845.05312.6Age specific rate
2016-17Males 80 to 845749.65509.25997.9Age specific rate
2017-18Males 80 to 846221.85977.36473.7Age specific rate
2018-19Males 80 to 845983.45749.96224.0Age specific rate
2019-20Males 80 to 846464.66228.56707.3Age specific rate
2020-21Males 80 to 846504.56275.46739.8Age specific rate
2002-03Males 85+5371.05004.55757.2Age specific rate
2003-04Males 85+5837.15463.96229.0Age specific rate
2004-05Males 85+6067.75694.56459.0Age specific rate
2005-06Males 85+5936.25581.46307.7Age specific rate
2006-07Males 85+6615.66254.06992.6Age specific rate
2007-08Males 85+6198.45860.26551.1Age specific rate
2008-09Males 85+6488.66150.16840.9Age specific rate
2009-10Males 85+7186.36838.07547.7Age specific rate
2010-11Males 85+7542.87194.77903.4Age specific rate
2011-12Males 85+7688.67345.98043.1Age specific rate
2012-13Males 85+8702.78347.49069.2Age specific rate
2013-14Males 85+8751.38403.79109.5Age specific rate
2014-15Males 85+9457.19104.89819.7Age specific rate
2015-16Males 85+12316.311923.312719.0Age specific rate
2016-17Males 85+12878.212485.513280.1Age specific rate
2017-18Males 85+12773.612389.513166.7Age specific rate
2018-19Males 85+13448.513060.113845.5Age specific rate
2019-20Males 85+13609.413226.614000.4Age specific rate
2020-21Males 85+14053.713672.414442.9Age specific rate
2002-03Females 65 to 69717.5652.2787.5Age specific rate
2003-04Females 65 to 69812.5744.3885.3Age specific rate
2004-05Females 65 to 69887.1817.5961.0Age specific rate
2005-06Females 65 to 69829.3763.5899.2Age specific rate
2006-07Females 65 to 69884.6817.9955.3Age specific rate
2007-08Females 65 to 69997.8928.51071.0Age specific rate
2008-09Females 65 to 691069.4999.11143.3Age specific rate
2009-10Females 65 to 691020.1953.21090.4Age specific rate
2010-11Females 65 to 691143.71074.91215.8Age specific rate
2011-12Females 65 to 691099.61033.91168.3Age specific rate
2012-13Females 65 to 691162.91097.71231.0Age specific rate
2013-14Females 65 to 691195.21130.81262.2Age specific rate
2014-15Females 65 to 691351.81284.61421.6Age specific rate
2015-16Females 65 to 691665.51592.21741.3Age specific rate
2016-17Females 65 to 691773.01698.81849.7Age specific rate
2017-18Females 65 to 691810.21735.41887.3Age specific rate
2018-19Females 65 to 691782.41708.91858.2Age specific rate
2019-20Females 65 to 691832.11758.41908.0Age specific rate
2020-21Females 65 to 692086.32008.62166.3Age specific rate
2002-03Females 70 to 741326.01232.81424.4Age specific rate
2003-04Females 70 to 741381.31286.11481.7Age specific rate
2004-05Females 70 to 741401.41305.51502.5Age specific rate
2005-06Females 70 to 741329.51236.51427.6Age specific rate
2006-07Females 70 to 741489.81391.81592.8Age specific rate
2007-08Females 70 to 741446.61351.71546.4Age specific rate
2008-09Females 70 to 741621.61522.41725.6Age specific rate
2009-10Females 70 to 741647.31549.51749.8Age specific rate
2010-11Females 70 to 741664.11567.61764.9Age specific rate
2011-12Females 70 to 741796.81698.41899.3Age specific rate
2012-13Females 70 to 741859.31761.71960.8Age specific rate
2013-14Females 70 to 741943.21845.92044.3Age specific rate
2014-15Females 70 to 742004.31908.12104.2Age specific rate
2015-16Females 70 to 742571.22465.02680.8Age specific rate
2016-17Females 70 to 742714.92608.52824.6Age specific rate
2017-18Females 70 to 742875.12769.82983.4Age specific rate
2018-19Females 70 to 743083.02977.43191.4Age specific rate
2019-20Females 70 to 742967.32866.03071.2Age specific rate
2020-21Females 70 to 743184.43081.83289.5Age specific rate
2002-03Females 75 to 792494.12355.92638.2Age specific rate
2003-04Females 75 to 792405.32271.02545.4Age specific rate
2004-05Females 75 to 792443.72309.62583.5Age specific rate
2005-06Females 75 to 792467.12332.82607.0Age specific rate
2006-07Females 75 to 792451.32318.22590.0Age specific rate
2007-08Females 75 to 792653.42515.32797.2Age specific rate
2008-09Females 75 to 792800.72658.72948.3Age specific rate
2009-10Females 75 to 792844.42701.32993.2Age specific rate
2010-11Females 75 to 793074.32926.33227.9Age specific rate
2011-12Females 75 to 792905.72762.93053.9Age specific rate
2012-13Females 75 to 793249.63100.43404.0Age specific rate
2013-14Females 75 to 793388.13237.83543.6Age specific rate
2014-15Females 75 to 793476.63327.83630.5Age specific rate
2015-16Females 75 to 794586.34418.64758.7Age specific rate
2016-17Females 75 to 794836.04667.95008.7Age specific rate
2017-18Females 75 to 795027.74860.45199.3Age specific rate
2018-19Females 75 to 794632.94476.24793.8Age specific rate
2019-20Females 75 to 794815.84660.54975.0Age specific rate
2020-21Females 75 to 795074.04919.65232.1Age specific rate
2002-03Females 80 to 844362.64148.24585.3Age specific rate
2003-04Females 80 to 844499.64286.64720.5Age specific rate
2004-05Females 80 to 844712.24498.04934.1Age specific rate
2005-06Females 80 to 844483.94278.34696.9Age specific rate
2006-07Females 80 to 844728.44518.94945.1Age specific rate
2007-08Females 80 to 844884.84673.25103.5Age specific rate
2008-09Females 80 to 844902.34692.65119.1Age specific rate
2009-10Females 80 to 844942.94734.55158.1Age specific rate
2010-11Females 80 to 845171.94960.15390.3Age specific rate
2011-12Females 80 to 845517.65300.65741.1Age specific rate
2012-13Females 80 to 845828.05605.66057.0Age specific rate
2013-14Females 80 to 846079.85852.26314.0Age specific rate
2014-15Females 80 to 846449.26214.86690.2Age specific rate
2015-16Females 80 to 848055.27794.08322.9Age specific rate
2016-17Females 80 to 848543.08275.58817.0Age specific rate
2017-18Females 80 to 848982.48713.09258.0Age specific rate
2018-19Females 80 to 848944.78680.89214.6Age specific rate
2019-20Females 80 to 848971.68713.99235.1Age specific rate
2020-21Females 80 to 849369.59112.99631.5Age specific rate
2002-03Females 85+8436.28115.68766.2Age specific rate
2003-04Females 85+8745.78425.49075.0Age specific rate
2004-05Females 85+8400.48092.08717.6Age specific rate
2005-06Females 85+8913.18603.59231.1Age specific rate
2006-07Females 85+9311.09003.29626.6Age specific rate
2007-08Females 85+9264.18964.79571.0Age specific rate
2008-09Females 85+10027.59721.110341.1Age specific rate
2009-10Females 85+10072.19770.410380.7Age specific rate
2010-11Females 85+10702.210397.311013.9Age specific rate
2011-12Females 85+11160.710855.111472.7Age specific rate
2012-13Females 85+11817.211507.912132.7Age specific rate
2013-14Females 85+12295.411985.712611.1Age specific rate
2014-15Females 85+13228.512912.613550.2Age specific rate
2015-16Females 85+16143.015798.816492.8Age specific rate
2016-17Females 85+16666.716322.017016.8Age specific rate
2017-18Females 85+17147.816801.217499.7Age specific rate
2018-19Females 85+16793.616453.717138.8Age specific rate
2019-20Females 85+16589.816255.416929.5Age specific rate
2020-21Females 85+17361.017022.517704.5Age specific rate

Mortality

In 2020, the Queensland standardised mortality rate for falls in adults 65 years and older was 68.7 per 100,000 persons (Figure 3).2

Demographic differences

In 2020, the Queensland standardised mortality rate for falls in adults 65 years and older was 51.2% higher in males than females (85.3 compared to 56.4 per 100,000, respectively).

Age-specific mortality rates for falls were consistently higher in males than females (Figure 3). The highest age-specific falls mortality rate was in males age 85 years and older (480.5 per 100,000). This contrasts with falls hospitalisation rates (Figure 1) which were consistently higher in females, suggesting that males experience more severe falls.

Mortality rates increased markedly with increasing age—the mortality rate in adults 85 years and older was 54.2 times higher than in adults 65 to 69 years (385.1 compared to 7.1 per 100,000 persons, respectively).

Figure 3: Queensland mortality rate from falls in adults 65 years and older, 2020

Figure 3a: Queensland mortality rate from falls in adults 65 years and older, 2020 (persons, males, females, age-groups)
Bar chart of falls mortality per 100,000 persons 65 and older, by age and sex, and remoteness and sociodemographic status, 2020.
Figure 3b: Queensland mortality rate from falls in adults 65 years and older, 2020 (remoteness and socioeconomic status)
Bar chart of falls mortality per 100,000 population, persons 65+, by remoteness and socioeconomic status
Figure 3c: Queensland mortality rate from falls in adults 65 years and older, 2020 (table) Ordered by sub-population
YearSub populationRateLCIUCIStandardisation
2020Persons 65+68.763.174.6ASR
2020Males 65+85.375.895.6ASR
2020Females 65+56.449.863.6ASR
2020Persons 65 to 697.1NANAAge specific rate
2020Persons 70 to 7411.5NANAAge specific rate
2020Persons 75 to 7942.7NANAAge specific rate
2020Persons 80 to 8493.4NANAAge specific rate
2020Persons 85+385.1NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 65 to 699.7NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 70 to 7415.2NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 75 to 7952.4NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 80 to 84111.2NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 85+480.5NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 65 to 694.6NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 70 to 747.9NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 75 to 7933.5NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 80 to 8477.9NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 85+324.5NANAAge specific rate
2020Major city71.964.779.6ASR
2020Inner regional68.557.481.1ASR
2020Outer regional57.043.473.5ASR
2020Most disadvantaged66.054.878.7ASR
2020Q278.466.192.3ASR
2020Q367.054.781.2ASR
2020Q457.546.270.7ASR
2020Most advantaged73.860.489.4ASR

Trends

Queensland standardised mortality rates have increased since 2002 for males and females with rates being consistently higher for males (Figure 4). The increasing mortality rate in persons 65 years and older is largely driven by increasing rates in persons 85 years and older as younger age groups (65 to 84 years) have shown little to no increase in mortality rates since 2002 (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Queensland trends in falls mortality in adults 65 years and older

Figure 4a: Queensland trends in falls mortality in adults 65 years and older (persons, males, females 65+)
Line chart of trends in falls mortality per 100,000 population 65 and older, persons, males, females, 2002-2020
Figure 4b: Queensland trends in falls mortality in adults 65 years and older (males and females, 5 year age groups (65+))
Line chart of trends in falls mortality per 100,000 population, males 65+, females 65+ by age groups, 2002-2020
Figure 4c: Queensland trends in falls mortality in adults 65 years and older (table) Ordered by sub-population, year
YearSub populationRateLCIUCIStandardisation
2002Persons 65+62.555.370.5ASR
2003Persons 65+58.351.465.9ASR
2004Persons 65+56.049.463.3ASR
2005Persons 65+56.049.563.1ASR
2006Persons 65+51.845.758.5ASR
2007Persons 65+59.853.466.8ASR
2008Persons 65+56.650.463.3ASR
2009Persons 65+58.952.665.6ASR
2010Persons 65+61.555.368.3ASR
2011Persons 65+67.661.274.5ASR
2012Persons 65+66.560.373.3ASR
2013Persons 65+64.458.370.9ASR
2014Persons 65+69.263.075.9ASR
2015Persons 65+71.765.578.4ASR
2016Persons 65+70.264.276.7ASR
2017Persons 65+77.771.484.3ASR
2018Persons 65+75.069.081.5ASR
2019Persons 65+70.765.076.8ASR
2020Persons 65+68.763.174.6ASR
2002Males 65+63.651.677.4ASR
2003Males 65+62.550.976.0ASR
2004Males 65+58.047.270.6ASR
2005Males 65+66.254.879.3ASR
2006Males 65+58.748.470.5ASR
2007Males 65+71.460.284.0ASR
2008Males 65+64.654.176.4ASR
2009Males 65+68.758.180.6ASR
2010Males 65+59.650.070.6ASR
2011Males 65+74.664.086.5ASR
2012Males 65+81.170.293.2ASR
2013Males 65+71.461.482.5ASR
2014Males 65+76.466.387.6ASR
2015Males 65+75.765.886.6ASR
2016Males 65+78.368.489.1ASR
2017Males 65+87.777.698.9ASR
2018Males 65+81.972.292.5ASR
2019Males 65+77.268.087.3ASR
2020Males 65+85.375.895.6ASR
2002Females 65+61.452.471.6ASR
2003Females 65+55.847.365.3ASR
2004Females 65+54.145.963.4ASR
2005Females 65+50.042.258.8ASR
2006Females 65+46.138.854.4ASR
2007Females 65+51.644.060.1ASR
2008Females 65+51.544.060.0ASR
2009Females 65+52.144.660.5ASR
2010Females 65+61.453.570.2ASR
2011Females 65+61.954.170.6ASR
2012Females 65+55.548.263.5ASR
2013Females 65+59.151.667.4ASR
2014Females 65+63.656.072.0ASR
2015Females 65+68.860.977.4ASR
2016Females 65+65.157.573.4ASR
2017Females 65+70.562.779.0ASR
2018Females 65+69.561.977.7ASR
2019Females 65+65.157.972.8ASR
2020Females 65+56.449.863.6ASR
2002Males 65 to 696.4NANAAge specific rate
2003Males 65 to 697.6NANAAge specific rate
2004Males 65 to 697.3NANAAge specific rate
2005Males 65 to 6911.1NANAAge specific rate
2006Males 65 to 6910.7NANAAge specific rate
2007Males 65 to 6912.7NANAAge specific rate
2008Males 65 to 698.6NANAAge specific rate
2009Males 65 to 696.9NANAAge specific rate
2010Males 65 to 696.6NANAAge specific rate
2011Males 65 to 698.3NANAAge specific rate
2012Males 65 to 697.8NANAAge specific rate
2013Males 65 to 696.4NANAAge specific rate
2014Males 65 to 698.8NANAAge specific rate
2015Males 65 to 694.3NANAAge specific rate
2016Males 65 to 694.2NANAAge specific rate
2017Males 65 to 6910.8NANAAge specific rate
2018Males 65 to 6913.2NANAAge specific rate
2019Males 65 to 697.4NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 65 to 699.7NANAAge specific rate
2002Males 70 to 7416.9NANAAge specific rate
2003Males 70 to 7414.8NANAAge specific rate
2004Males 70 to 7418.3NANAAge specific rate
2005Males 70 to 7412.7NANAAge specific rate
2006Males 70 to 7423.1NANAAge specific rate
2007Males 70 to 7415.5NANAAge specific rate
2008Males 70 to 7413.3NANAAge specific rate
2009Males 70 to 7426.9NANAAge specific rate
2010Males 70 to 7415.0NANAAge specific rate
2011Males 70 to 7427.2NANAAge specific rate
2012Males 70 to 7419.1NANAAge specific rate
2013Males 70 to 7423.7NANAAge specific rate
2014Males 70 to 7425.0NANAAge specific rate
2015Males 70 to 7418.9NANAAge specific rate
2016Males 70 to 7421.3NANAAge specific rate
2017Males 70 to 7422.8NANAAge specific rate
2018Males 70 to 7414.6NANAAge specific rate
2019Males 70 to 7413.0NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 70 to 7415.2NANAAge specific rate
2002Males 75 to 7929.6NANAAge specific rate
2003Males 75 to 7923.9NANAAge specific rate
2004Males 75 to 7930.1NANAAge specific rate
2005Males 75 to 7949.9NANAAge specific rate
2006Males 75 to 7933.4NANAAge specific rate
2007Males 75 to 7941.7NANAAge specific rate
2008Males 75 to 7934.9NANAAge specific rate
2009Males 75 to 7930.4NANAAge specific rate
2010Males 75 to 7934.3NANAAge specific rate
2011Males 75 to 7933.4NANAAge specific rate
2012Males 75 to 7952.3NANAAge specific rate
2013Males 75 to 7944.2NANAAge specific rate
2014Males 75 to 7940.2NANAAge specific rate
2015Males 75 to 7938.2NANAAge specific rate
2016Males 75 to 7939.7NANAAge specific rate
2017Males 75 to 7950.0NANAAge specific rate
2018Males 75 to 7943.3NANAAge specific rate
2019Males 75 to 7951.8NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 75 to 7952.4NANAAge specific rate
2002Males 80 to 84111.3NANAAge specific rate
2003Males 80 to 84101.3NANAAge specific rate
2004Males 80 to 84107.3NANAAge specific rate
2005Males 80 to 8460.4NANAAge specific rate
2006Males 80 to 84105.7NANAAge specific rate
2007Males 80 to 84119.2NANAAge specific rate
2008Males 80 to 84109.0NANAAge specific rate
2009Males 80 to 84125.0NANAAge specific rate
2010Males 80 to 84106.2NANAAge specific rate
2011Males 80 to 84121.2NANAAge specific rate
2012Males 80 to 84119.2NANAAge specific rate
2013Males 80 to 8485.7NANAAge specific rate
2014Males 80 to 84106.9NANAAge specific rate
2015Males 80 to 84130.2NANAAge specific rate
2016Males 80 to 84104.2NANAAge specific rate
2017Males 80 to 84112.2NANAAge specific rate
2018Males 80 to 84130.7NANAAge specific rate
2019Males 80 to 84107.4NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 80 to 84111.2NANAAge specific rate
2002Males 85+330.2NANAAge specific rate
2003Males 85+346.4NANAAge specific rate
2004Males 85+277.5NANAAge specific rate
2005Males 85+375.6NANAAge specific rate
2006Males 85+259.1NANAAge specific rate
2007Males 85+355.6NANAAge specific rate
2008Males 85+335.0NANAAge specific rate
2009Males 85+333.2NANAAge specific rate
2010Males 85+295.4NANAAge specific rate
2011Males 85+382.2NANAAge specific rate
2012Males 85+427.8NANAAge specific rate
2013Males 85+388.6NANAAge specific rate
2014Males 85+407.4NANAAge specific rate
2015Males 85+401.4NANAAge specific rate
2016Males 85+449.4NANAAge specific rate
2017Males 85+485.4NANAAge specific rate
2018Males 85+435.5NANAAge specific rate
2019Males 85+423.4NANAAge specific rate
2020Males 85+480.5NANAAge specific rate
2002Females 65 to 694.9NANAAge specific rate
2003Females 65 to 691.6NANAAge specific rate
2004Females 65 to 693.0NANAAge specific rate
2005Females 65 to 699.9NANAAge specific rate
2006Females 65 to 695.4NANAAge specific rate
2007Females 65 to 693.9NANAAge specific rate
2008Females 65 to 695.0NANAAge specific rate
2009Females 65 to 694.7NANAAge specific rate
2010Females 65 to 693.3NANAAge specific rate
2011Females 65 to 697.4NANAAge specific rate
2012Females 65 to 694.9NANAAge specific rate
2013Females 65 to 693.7NANAAge specific rate
2014Females 65 to 694.5NANAAge specific rate
2015Females 65 to 693.4NANAAge specific rate
2016Females 65 to 695.0NANAAge specific rate
2017Females 65 to 692.5NANAAge specific rate
2018Females 65 to 695.6NANAAge specific rate
2019Females 65 to 695.5NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 65 to 694.6NANAAge specific rate
2002Females 70 to 7414.1NANAAge specific rate
2003Females 70 to 7415.9NANAAge specific rate
2004Females 70 to 748.8NANAAge specific rate
2005Females 70 to 748.8NANAAge specific rate
2006Females 70 to 7412.1NANAAge specific rate
2007Females 70 to 7410.1NANAAge specific rate
2008Females 70 to 7416.3NANAAge specific rate
2009Females 70 to 7412.5NANAAge specific rate
2010Females 70 to 7410.5NANAAge specific rate
2011Females 70 to 7418.7NANAAge specific rate
2012Females 70 to 748.2NANAAge specific rate
2013Females 70 to 7410.4NANAAge specific rate
2014Females 70 to 7411.1NANAAge specific rate
2015Females 70 to 7414.0NANAAge specific rate
2016Females 70 to 7413.3NANAAge specific rate
2017Females 70 to 7421.5NANAAge specific rate
2018Females 70 to 746.7NANAAge specific rate
2019Females 70 to 748.2NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 70 to 747.9NANAAge specific rate
2002Females 75 to 7928.7NANAAge specific rate
2003Females 75 to 7928.1NANAAge specific rate
2004Females 75 to 7935.4NANAAge specific rate
2005Females 75 to 7935.2NANAAge specific rate
2006Females 75 to 7921.3NANAAge specific rate
2007Females 75 to 7928.8NANAAge specific rate
2008Females 75 to 7928.9NANAAge specific rate
2009Females 75 to 7928.9NANAAge specific rate
2010Females 75 to 7924.7NANAAge specific rate
2011Females 75 to 7918.7NANAAge specific rate
2012Females 75 to 7920.1NANAAge specific rate
2013Females 75 to 7928.4NANAAge specific rate
2014Females 75 to 7933.9NANAAge specific rate
2015Females 75 to 7937.4NANAAge specific rate
2016Females 75 to 7941.8NANAAge specific rate
2017Females 75 to 7936.8NANAAge specific rate
2018Females 75 to 7937.9NANAAge specific rate
2019Females 75 to 7929.2NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 75 to 7933.5NANAAge specific rate
2002Females 80 to 8490.0NANAAge specific rate
2003Females 80 to 8483.3NANAAge specific rate
2004Females 80 to 8490.8NANAAge specific rate
2005Females 80 to 8462.8NANAAge specific rate
2006Females 80 to 8466.7NANAAge specific rate
2007Females 80 to 8473.2NANAAge specific rate
2008Females 80 to 8476.4NANAAge specific rate
2009Females 80 to 8495.8NANAAge specific rate
2010Females 80 to 8492.1NANAAge specific rate
2011Females 80 to 8481.5NANAAge specific rate
2012Females 80 to 8465.3NANAAge specific rate
2013Females 80 to 8499.4NANAAge specific rate
2014Females 80 to 8494.9NANAAge specific rate
2015Females 80 to 84112.0NANAAge specific rate
2016Females 80 to 8499.7NANAAge specific rate
2017Females 80 to 84104.6NANAAge specific rate
2018Females 80 to 84107.0NANAAge specific rate
2019Females 80 to 8482.1NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 80 to 8477.9NANAAge specific rate
2002Females 85+349.1NANAAge specific rate
2003Females 85+311.0NANAAge specific rate
2004Females 85+285.3NANAAge specific rate
2005Females 85+265.1NANAAge specific rate
2006Females 85+255.8NANAAge specific rate
2007Females 85+291.9NANAAge specific rate
2008Females 85+269.7NANAAge specific rate
2009Females 85+260.2NANAAge specific rate
2010Females 85+367.1NANAAge specific rate
2011Females 85+366.6NANAAge specific rate
2012Females 85+356.5NANAAge specific rate
2013Females 85+329.0NANAAge specific rate
2014Females 85+361.7NANAAge specific rate
2015Females 85+376.6NANAAge specific rate
2016Females 85+346.9NANAAge specific rate
2017Females 85+386.8NANAAge specific rate
2018Females 85+399.9NANAAge specific rate
2019Females 85+404.3NANAAge specific rate
2020Females 85+324.5NANAAge specific rate

Additional information

Data and statistics

More information is available from Facts on falls - Queensland Stay On Your Feet.

Section technical notes

Where presented, ratios were calculated using higher precision estimates than in text. Ratios calculated using estimates in text may differ.

Where presented, ratios were calculated using higher precision estimates than in text. Ratios calculated using estimates in text may differ.

Rates are standardised to Australian standard population 2001 per 100,000 population.

For table data: “NA” indicates results that are unavailable or suppressed due to small sample size or not calculated.

Hospitalisations:

  • Queensland Health Statistical Services Branch (SSB): ICD Code definition of falls hospitalisation data: Falls (excl. transfer) (PD - S00-T75, or T79. First external cause - W00 - W19. Not transfer from another hospital).
  • Separation counts were restricted to Queensland residents and exclude separations flagged as unqualified newborns, organ donors or boarders and admissions to public psychiatric hospitals.
  • Admission practices likely changed as a result of COVID-19. Trends that include 2020 or 2021 data should be assessed with caution.

Mortality:

  • ICD Code definition of SSB falls mortality data: Falls (underlying) (Refer to Henley G & Harrison JE 2015. Trends in injury deaths, Australia: 1999–00 to 2009–10. AIHW).
  • Source: Cause of Death Unit Record File, Australian Coordinating Registry.
  • Death counts were restricted to Queensland residents. Deaths where age at the time of death is unknown were excluded.
  • Year has been based on year of death. The number of deaths may change due to late death registrations.
  • Deaths registered in 2019 and 2020 are subject to change. Deaths for 2020 are underestimated due to late death registrations, especially for First Nations population. Results should be interpreted with caution.
  • AIHW mortality data: See AIHW: Henley G & Harrison JE 2019. Trends in injury deaths, 1999–00 to 2016–17, boxes 1.1, 1.2 and appendix A for notes on data limitations and methods. Data source: AIHW National Mortality Database.

References

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2022. Falls in older Australians 2019–20: hospitalisations and deaths among people aged 65 and over. Accessed: 1 January 2023.
  2. Queensland Health. 2020. Queensland hospital admitted patient data collection (QHAPDC). Accessed: 12 November 2022.
  3. Hugo Centre for Migration and Population Research. 2018. Accessibility/remoteness index of Australia (ARIA)Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA). Accessed: 1 October 2022.
  4. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2018. Socio-economic indexes for areas (SEIFA) 20162033.0.55.001 - Census of Population and Housing: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Australia, 2016. Accessed: 1 October 2022.

Last updated: July 2024