What You Can Do To Prevent Falls FACTS: Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. In 2002, more than 12,800 people over age 65 died and 1.6 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls. Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix. Many falls can be prevented. By making some changes you can lower your chances of falling. This brochure describes four Fall Preven