What outcomes are linked to falls?

What outcomes are linked to falls?

• Twenty percent to 30? of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around and limit independent living. They also can increase the risk of early death.
• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, or TBI. In 2000, TBI accounted for 46% of fatal falls among older adults.
• Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.
• The most common fractures are of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand. 
• Many people who fall, even those who are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, leading to reduced mobility and physical fitness, and increasing their actual risk of falling.
• In 2000, direct medical costs totaled $0.2 billion ($179 million) for fatal falls and $19 billion for nonfatal fall injuries.