Falls: Frequently Asked Questions Falls: Frequently Asked
Questions Falls and resulting injuries are a serious issue for
older adults. InteliHealth/Harvard Medical Content Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) about Falls Falls and their resulting
injuries are a serious public health issue among older adults.
Falls are associated with a considerable number of deaths, a
considerable number of complications, reduced functioning and
premature nursing-home admission. Both the incidence of falls
and the severity of fall-related complications rise steadily
after age 60. In the United States, 1 in 3 people aged 65 years
and older falls each year. After age 75, the rates are even
higher. A key concern for older people is not simply the high
incidence of falls but their high susceptibility to injury. Of
those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries
that reduce mobility and independence and increase the risk of
premature death. Approximately 5% of older people who fall must
be hospitalized. In addition to p