Older Austrians face record hospital treatment after accidents

More than 266,000 people aged over 65 were treated in Austrian hospitals after accidents last year, the highest figure recorded, ORF reported, citing the Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit, a road safety organisation. In Upper Austria, 46,300 people in this age group required hospital treatment.

Falls at home are a particular danger. The organisation said 64 percent of accidents involving older people occur in their own homes, especially in living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms. Cables, slippery floors, objects left lying around, steps and staircases are among the main hazards.

More than half of these falls result in broken bones, most often affecting the wrists, forearms and thighs. Femoral neck fractures can permanently restrict mobility. Head injuries are less common but can be especially dangerous because older people are more vulnerable to bleeding in the head. Blood-thinning medication increases the risk further.

A total of 2,553 people aged over 65 died across Austria following accidents last year. The KFV attributed the rising accident figures partly to demographic change. Statistics Austria recorded around 1.86 million people over 65 in 2025, about 17 percent more than in 2015.

KFV expert Johanna Trauner-Karner said many accidents could be prevented. Regular exercise can improve strength, balance and sure-footedness, while better lighting, non-slip surfaces and grab rails in bathrooms can make homes safer. Even small changes can help people remain independent for longer and prevent serious injuries, the organisation said.