Falls are a leading cause of injury to older adults. Each year 30%-50% of individuals over the age of 65 fall. Serious injury results from 10%-15% of these falls. Of those who incur fractures of the hip, 25% never regain their independence. Falls may occur for a variety of reasons. Women are two to three times more likely to experience a hip fracture as men because they are more prone to lose bone density due to osteoporosis. Surgery for hip fracture is usually successful, but recovery time is long. Injury to the knee also requires a long recuperation period. Any injury to an extremity can result in limited ability to perform the tasks of daily living. Of course, the better one's health and mobility, the better the recovery. In order to maintain good balance and coordination, strength and mobility training are essential. It is important as we age to add some strength training to a regular exercise program and schedule periodic physical exams to avoid osteoporosis while maintaining appropriate hormone levels.
