Among older adults, falls are a serious public health problem. In the United States, one out of every three persons over the age of 65 falls each year, and two-thirds of those people who fall do so again within six months.
Among people age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and serious injuries. About 9,600 older adults died in 1998 from fall related injuries. Among seniors with osteoporosis, falls can cause devastating injuries such as hip fractures (75%-80% of hip fractures are sustained by women). Half of all older adults who are hospitalized for a hip fracture cannot return home or live independently after their injuries.
Source: US CDC
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