In the United States, one of every three adults 65 years old or older falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 years and older. In 1998, about 9,600 people over the age of 65 died from fall-related injuries. 3 Fall-related death rates are higher among men than women and differ by race.
White men have the highest death rate, followed by white women, black men and black women.
Among older adults, falls are the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. They are also the second leading cause of spinal cord and brain injury among older adults. 6 Each year in the United States, one person in 20 receives emergency department treatment because of a fall. 7 Advanced age greatly increases the chance of a hospital admission following a fall. Among older adults, fractures are the most serious health outcomes associated with falls.