How serious is the problem?
- More than one-third of adults aged 65 years and older fall each year
- Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.
- More than 60% of people who die from falls are 75 and older.
- Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures or head traumas that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death.
- Among people ages 75 years and older, those who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer.
- Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- Among older adults, the majority of fractures are caused by falls.
Pages in this Section
At BJC Health, our physiotherapists & exercise therapists are trained to assess gait stability and falls risk. After an initial assessment, they will then design a program to reduce this falls risk by:
- Improving Balance
- Improving the mechanics of walking
- Increasing Lower Limb Strength
- Utilizing walking aids when appropriate
