Introduction For millions of older Americans, falls present a serious health risk. In the United States, one of every three persons age 65 and older falls each year. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. In 1997, about 9,000 seniors died of fall-related injuries . And the number of people over age 65 is expected to increase from 31.0 million in 1990 to 68.1 million by 2040.
Fractures are the most serious health consequence of falls.
Eighty-seven percent of all fractures among older adults are due to falls. Approximately 250,000 hip fractures, the most serious fracture, occur each year among people over age 65. Half of all older people hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently after their injury. Many of these falls and resulting injuries can be prevented. The Tool Kit to Prevent Senior Falls has current technical information and materials about falls and fall-related injuries that can be used on an individual basis or incorporated into health promotion activities aimed at reducing falls among older adults.