Falls and Older Adults

Frequently Asked Questions

6. How common are hip fractures, and what problems do they cause?

Hip fractures are a common and very serious type of fall-related injury among older adults. These fractures are a leading cause of hospitalizations and medical loss of independence. Most healthy, independent older adults who are hospitalized for a broken hip are able to return home or live on their own after treatment and rehabilitation. Most of those who are unable to return to independent living after such injuries had physical or mental disabilities before the fracture. Many of them will need long-term care.