[Epidemiology of falls and hip fractures]

The risk of falling increases with age and with many of the disorders common in late life. Approximately 35 to 40% of community-dwelling people over the age of 65 and up to 50% of institutionalized elderly fall at least once every year. The incidence is highest in women and the very old. Hip fracture, one of the most serious injuries associated with falls, assumes epidemic proportions in old people. In addition to physical injury, falls can have other serious consequences for the older person. Repeated falls are a common reason for the admission of previously independent elderly persons to long-term care institutions. This article examines why older people fall and what factors place persons at risk for falling. The multiple reasons for an inconsistency of the epidemiological data are discussed.