In 2002, nearly 13,000 people ages 65 and older died of fall-related injuries. The total direct cost of all fall injuries for people 65 and older in 2000 was slightly more than $19 billion. By 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $43.8 billion. And the number of people over age 65 is expected to increase from 31.0 million in 1990 to 68.1 million by 2040.

Fractures are the most serious health consequence of falls. Eighty-seven percent fo all fractures among older adults are due to falls. Approximately 250,000 hip fractures, the most serious fracture, occur each year among people over age 65. Half of all older people hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently after their injury.

Seniors falling has become such a serious issue that even the federal government has become involved passing recent legislation "Safety of Senior Act of 2007"

Episodes of dizziness and imbalance lead to many of these serious falls. The causes of dizziness and imbalance are numerous but in many cases can be successfully treated. If you suffer from dizziness or have a balance problem, act now before you become a statistic!