Here are some astounding statistics. 5.8 million individuals age 65 and over have fallen at least once during the preceding three months. A third of these people needed to be examined by a physician.

An even more disturbing statistic is that approximately 16,000 people age 65 and older die each year as result of a fall.

Once a person has fallen, there is a greater chance that he or she will fall again. Women are more likely to fall than men.

32% of those who fall need subsequent help with activities of daily living. More than half of these people need help for at least six months.

The medical costs associated with falls are approximately 20 billion dollars each year.

These statistics do not include the pain, suffering, and anxiety that occur as a result of a fall plus the interruption of a person’s daily routine.

Because falls take such a heavy toll, much more needs to be done to prevent them from occurring in the first place.