CDC: 36M people 65 and older fall each year

1 in 5 of these falls cause serious injury

Each year, about 36 million people aged 65 and up experience a fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 5 of those falls causes a serious injury, such as a head injury or a broken bone — usually to the wrist, arm, ankle or hip.

Hip fractures alone result in hospitalization for 300,000 older Americans annually, and more than 95% of those fractures are due to falls. As for head injuries, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. The CDC says falls are the leading cause of not only injury among older people, but also injuryrelated deaths, with more than 32,000 people in this age group dying each year because of a fall. Although people of any age can — and do — fall, risk rises with age.

Still, falling is not considered an inevitable result of aging, according to the National Council on Aging. Factors that contribute to higher risk for older people include muscle weakness, balance issues, vision problems, wearing ill-fitting or slipperysoled shoes, and various home hazards, from poor lighting to cluttered floors and more. In addition, medications that may cause a person to become dizzy or sleepy increase the risk for falling, and this includes medications commonly taken for high blood pressure, allergies, sleep problems, anxiety or depression.

To prevent falls, health experts urge older people to have their doctor or pharmacist evaluate their medications for possible falling risks, have their vision checked annually and eyewear updated if needed, and make their home safer by keeping floors clutter free, adding grab bars in the bathroom and making sure all staircases have handrails and are well lit.

They are also advised to regularly do exercises that will strengthen their legs and improve balance.