In 2005, nearly 16,000 people over the age of 65 died in the United States as a result of injuries from falls, making falls the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for this age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a self-reported survey which found that 5.8 million adults aged 65 and over fell at least one time in 2006. Over 20% of these people reported falling three times or more and 30% sustained an injury that resulted in either a visit to the doctor or a restriction in activity for at least a day. Although the risk of falls was similar for both men and women, women were more likely to experience fall-related injuries.

Even minor falls can adversely affect quality of life for older adults. Fall prevention programs can reduce falls by addressing muscle weakness, gait and balance problems, poor vision, medication side effects, and home hazards that contribute to the risk of falling. According to the CDC report, the most effective interventions to prevent falls focus on exercise - just one more reason keep on moving.