What is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in individuals aged 65 and older?

• A. Burns
• B. Falls
• C. Drowning
• D. Motor vehicle crashes

Answer: (B)

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in people aged 65 and older. This happens because aging brings changes in balance, muscle strength, and gait, along with chronic conditions, vision issues, and medications that can cause dizziness or low blood pressure. These factors, combined with environmental hazards at home—like clutter, poor lighting, loose rugs, or lack of support in the bathroom—make a fall more likely. When a fall occurs, injuries such as hip fractures or head trauma are common and can lead to hospitalization, disability, or death, which is why falls dominate injury statistics in this age group. Other causes like burns, drowning, or motor vehicle crashes happen but do not account for injuries as frequently across the elderly population as falls do. Prevention focuses on balance and strength exercises, medication review, home safety improvements, proper lighting, assistive devices, and footwear that reduces the risk of slipping.