Many people have a friend or relative who has fallen. The person may have slipped while walking or felt dizzy and fallen when standing up from a chair. Maybe you've fallen yourself. If you or an older person you know has fallen, you're not alone. Nearly half of all people age 65 years or older fall each year. While age is not a fall risk unto itself, the risk of falling -- and fall-related problems -- rises with age. Among older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury deaths. Hip fractures are one of the most serious types of fall injury. They are a leading cause of medical problems and death among older adults. Only half of older adults hospitalized for a broken hip can return home or live on their own after the injury.

Many older adults are afraid of falling. This fear becomes more common as people age, even among those who haven't fallen. It may lead older people to avoid activities such as walking, shopping, or taking part in social activities. If you fall, be sure to discuss the fall with your doctor, even if you aren't hurt. Many underlying causes of falls can be treated or corrected. For example, falls can be a sign of a problem with your medicines that can be corrected. They can also be a sign of a manageable disease or other problem, such as diabetes or low blood pressure when you stand.

Falls don't "just happen," and people don't fall because they get older. Often, more than one underlying cause or risk factor is involved in a fall. A risk factor is something that increases a person's risk or susceptibility to a medical problem or disease.