Community studies show that around 30% of people aged 65 and over fall each year. Only 10% to 15% of falls result in serious injury but 92% of hip fractures and 96% of wrist fractures in older women are caused by falling. There are important consequences even when no serious physical injury occurs. The anxiety caused by falling can result in loss of confidence and self imposed restrictions on activities, eventually resulting in admission to institutional care.

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