Patient-Reported Fall Related Health Care Services in Elderly Women.

Falls in the elderly is a major public health problem as they can lead to irreversible health, social, and psychological consequences, and a large economic burden. More than one-third of persons 65 years of age and older fall each year, and a half of falls are recurrent. Falls are not only a risk factor for fractures but also for development of traumatic cerebral or visceral hemorrhagia, traumatic pain syndromes, functional limitations, dislocations, soft tissue injuries, excess healthcare costs, and increased mortality. As the population of elderly people is growing fall-related injuries affect a substantial number of older adults.