Elderly fall deaths rise sharply in France

In France, falls among people aged 65 and over caused 20,148 deaths in 2024, which is about 55 deaths per day or one death every 26 minutes. This number highlights a growing public health concern linked to aging and the challenges of maintaining independence at home.

Hospitalizations from falls increase significantly

The same year saw 174,824 hospitalizations due to falls among the elderly. Between 2019 and 2024, deaths from falls rose by 18 percent, while hospitalizations increased by 20.5 percent, indicating a worsening trend in this area of public health.

Aging population increases pressure on resources

France is projected to see 700,000 more seniors with loss of autonomy by 2050, according to comparative projections by Insee and Drees. This demographic shift is expected to increase pressure on hospitals and families, underscoring the need for better preparation and resources.

Most French citizens want to age at home

According to the Vieillir Heureux study by La Fabrique Spinoza, over eight out of ten French citizens wish to age at home. However, the current efforts to adapt homes for elderly individuals are far from meeting this demand, creating a significant gap between public aspiration and available resources.

Home adaptations lag behind the need

Approximately 100 homes are adapted each day nationwide. In 2025, 36,700 homes were adapted under the MaPrimeAdapt’ program, which is less than half of the national goal of 68,000 adaptations per year. This discrepancy is highlighted by the fact that hospitalizations due to falls were nearly five times the number of adapted homes the following year.

Housing adaptations can prevent accidents

Stéphane Rakotoniaina, CEO and co-founder of Vivalea, emphasizes that adapting homes—such as installing level showers, support bars, securing stairs, and improving circulation—can significantly prevent accidents before they occur. He notes that these changes are crucial to enabling elderly individuals to remain at home safely.

Informal caregivers face significant challenges

According to Drees, 5.9 million informal caregivers support family members who have lost autonomy. Many of these caregivers report unmet needs for respite, which impacts their health, personal lives, and professional careers. This growing burden highlights the need for better support systems.

Workplace impact of caregiving

One in five employees in France is currently in a caregiving situation, according to Stéphane Rakotoniaina. He warns that without adequate support, families and companies will bear the consequences of this growing challenge, which affects both personal and professional life.

Call for action before the 2027 presidential election

Vivalea is urging presidential candidates for the 2027 election to prioritize home maintenance for the elderly. The company has outlined five key areas for improvement, including increasing the number of adapted homes, early detection of risks, and better support for caregivers.