Your friend Betty tripped over a kitchen rug when she went to do the dishes and ended up in the hospital. You strongly considered switching to paper plates, and you worried that even routine, daily activities could cause a fall that might result in hip fractures or other broken bones. Yet at the same time, you want to stay active for as long as possible. It’s a pickle, that’s for sure.
You might not feel comfortable admitting that you have a fear of falling, but don't be embarrassed—you’re not alone. According to the National Council on Aging, more and more people over the age of 65 share this concern. After all, 25% of Americans 65 and older fall each year, and fall injuries are one of the leading causes of death for older Americans.1