Older adults in the US experience a significant number of falls, with over 10,300 fatal and 2.6 million non-fatal fall-related injuries in 2000. Direct medical costs for these injuries totaled $200 million for fatal and $19 billion for non-fatal cases. Non-fatal injuries accounted for 63% of costs through hospitalizations, 21% through emergency department visits, and 16% through outpatient care. Women, who make up 58% of older adults, had 2-3 times higher medical costs than men for all treatment settings. Fractures, despite accounting for only 35% of non-fatal injuries, made up 61% of the costs. Fall-related injuries are a major public health issue, with over 12,900 older adults dying from falls in 2002. The study highlights the substantial economic burden of falls among older adults, especially women, and emphasizes the need for effective interventions to reduce incidence and healthcare costs. The findings suggest that fall prevention programs can significantly reduce fall risk, with some studies showing a 11% reduction in fall risk and a 27% reduction in fall risk for community-dwelling seniors. Effective interventions include exercise, balance training, and home hazard reduction. The study underscores the importance of implementing cost-effective strategies to address the significant economic and health impacts of falls among older adults.Older adults in the US experience a significant number of falls, with over 10,300 fatal and 2.6 million non-fatal fall-related injuries in 2000. Direct medical costs for these injuries totaled $200 million for fatal and $19 billion for non-fatal cases. Non-fatal injuries accounted for 63% of costs through hospitalizations, 21% through emergency department visits, and 16% through outpatient care. Women, who make up 58% of older adults, had 2-3 times higher medical costs than men for all treatment settings. Fractures, despite accounting for only 35% of non-fatal injuries, made up 61% of the costs. Fall-related injuries are a major public health issue, with over 12,900 older adults dying from falls in 2002. The study highlights the substantial economic burden of falls among older adults, especially women, and emphasizes the need for effective interventions to reduce incidence and healthcare costs. The findings suggest that fall prevention programs can significantly reduce fall risk, with some studies showing a 11% reduction in fall risk and a 27% reduction in fall risk for community-dwelling seniors. Effective interventions include exercise, balance training, and home hazard reduction. The study underscores the importance of implementing cost-effective strategies to address the significant economic and health impacts of falls among older adults.