Why a Medical Alert System Could Save Your Life

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults 65 and older. Yet despite the risks, less than 1 in 10 older Americans currently uses a medical alert system. Research increasingly shows that closing this gap could prevent thousands of deaths and hospitalizations every year.

The Scale of the Fall Problem

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 36 million older adults experience falls each year in the United States, resulting in over 3 million emergency department visits. Falls are responsible for 95 percent of all hip fractures and are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in seniors. The CDC estimates that the cost of treating fall injuries in the US is on track to reach $101 billion annually by 2030.

A comprehensive study by The Senior List surveying 500 adults 65 and older found that 1 in 3 had experienced an accidental fall in the past year. More troublingly, 38 percent of those who fell required assistance from others to get up — and 17 percent had to wait more than an hour before help arrived. That waiting time is critical. The longer a person lies unassisted after a fall, the greater the risk of complications including dehydration, hypothermia, pressure sores, and psychological trauma.

Medical Alert Systems Enable Independent Living

Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society shows that personal emergency response systems (PERS) can significantly reduce response times after falls, directly reducing the severity of injuries and preventing hospital readmissions. The National Institute on Aging has found that seniors who use medical alert systems are more likely to live independently for longer and have fewer hospital admissions due to more timely medical intervention.

A University of Michigan poll found that while 49 percent of seniors have at least one smart home device, fewer than 10 percent have a safety device like a medical alert system — meaning the vast majority may be unprepared for a fall emergency at home. The CDC notes that approximately 60 percent of all falls occur at home, where medical alert systems provide the most direct benefit.

Peace of Mind for Seniors and Families

Beyond the physical safety benefits, medical alert systems provide measurable psychological benefits. Studies consistently show that seniors who have access to an emergency response system report lower anxiety about falling and greater confidence in their ability to live independently. For family members and caregivers, the peace of mind provided by knowing that help is available 24/7 reduces caregiver stress significantly — particularly for those who live far from an aging parent.

Sources: CDC Older Adult Fall Prevention (2024), The Senior List Medical Alert Research (2024), Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, National Institute on Aging, University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, ConsumerAffairs Medical Alert Statistics (2025).