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American Bone Health has closed.  However, on October 1, 2023, we joined forces with the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) so that BHOF could continue offering all of the important programs and services created by American Bone Health. Please visit www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org for more information about the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

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Who Is At Risk for Falls?

Fall risk

Men are more likely than women to die from a fall, with a fatality rate that is 49% higher than women. Women, however, are more likely than men to have a non-fatal injury from a fall — like a broken bone. This leads to more frequent — and longer — hospital admissions for women.

Not surprisingly, the risk of serious injury from a fall increases with age. In 2001, the rates of injury for adults 85 and older was four to five times that of adults age 65 to 74.

Medications can also increase the risk of falling. Research shows that individuals who are taking 4 or more medications are at greater risk of falling.

People with poor vision from cataracts, glaucoma as well as old prescription lenses are at increased fall risk.

As to ethnicity, white women have a much greater rate of fall-related hip fractures than African American women. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), white and African Americans experience almost the same rates of fatal falls. And non-Hispanics generally have a higher rate of fatal falls than Hispanics.

If any of these factors apply to you, take steps to reduce your chance of falling.


Posted: 9/28/2016; Revised: 04/08/20. 
As a service to our readers, American Bone Health provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of the last review on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician

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The American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator™ estimates fracture risk for women and men over age 45.

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