Older Californians at risk for avoidable falls.

more than once (Exhibit 1). The rates are significantly higher for those ages 85 or older—21.3% reported multiple falls. Subgroups of older adults with even higher Who Falls? Older adults who fall more than once are at high risk of future falls. In 2007, 14.5% of Californians age 65 or older fell to the ground ore than a half million older Californians (565,000) fell more than once in 2007— about 100,000 more seniors with repeated falls than in 2003. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. Over 1,400 California seniors died due to injuries from falls in 2007; over 67,000 more were hospitalized; and almost 200,000 emergency department visits were due to falls by Californians of all ages. National guidelines by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and a recent synthesis of the scientific literature recommend reducing the risk of falling by older adults with a history of falls through an evaluation by a health professional with counseling on how to reduce falls, a review of medications, home modifications, exercise or physical therapy, and using a cane or walker if needed. New data from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey show that fewer than half of seniors with multiple falls obtained medical care for those falls, thereby missing a timely assessment of how to best prevent future falls. Enhanced focus on policy and practice is essential to prevent falls, increase the quality of life, and reduce avoidable health care spending. M