One out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year, but less than half talk to their healthcare providers about it.
Among adults age 65 or older, falling is a leading cause of injury or death.
In 2008, over 19,700 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries
In 2008, 82% of fall deaths were among people age 65 and over
The death rates from falls among older men and women have risen sharply over the past decade.
In 2009, 2.2 million nonfatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 581,000 of these patients were hospitalized
Over 90% of hip fractures are caused falls
What problems are linked to falls?
20% to 30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head trauma. These injuries can make it hard to get around or live independently and increase the risk of early death
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. In 2000, traumatic brain injuries accounted for 46% of fatal falls among older adults
Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls
Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities leading to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases the actual risk of falling
