Exercise Not Only Prevents Falls, But May Protect Elders Who Do Fall from Serious Injuries

Adults exercising through tai chi

One in three Americans age 65 or older suffers a fall each year, and as many as 30 percent of those who fall sustain moderate-to-severe injuries.

Fall injuries not only cost many older people their freedom and mobility; they strain the resources of family caregivers and add $30 billion in direct medical costs to the U.S. healthcare system, a number expected to grow as the population ages.

A new study suggests that elder adults who exercise are not only less …