Falls among the Elderly

Unintentional falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in adults aged 65 years and older, both nationally and in West Virginia.  West Virginia has higher than average fall rates, the second oldest population, the greatest proportion of inactive residents, and the second highest prevalence of arthritis in the U.S.  Thus, older adults in West Virginia are in great need of a public health fall-prevention intervention. The translational research project proposed in this application specifically addresses this need. In addition, our previous research has focused on the long-term consequences associated with injury among the elderly.