Despite the fact that elderly persons have a 33-35% chance of falling and becoming injured, most are ill-prepared. According to the World Health Organization, falls cause over 50% of accidental injuries and 39% of fatal injuries in the elderly. They are the fifth leading cause of death in the general population. <div> </div><div>Falls can be either non-mechanical, related to underlying illness or debilitation, or they can be mechanical, related to accidental trips and slips and caused by environmental factors such as poor lighting, surprise steps, lack of grab bars, and slippery bathroom floors. Non-mechanical falls can be related to cognitive disorders, such as stroke or dementia, or to frailty. They can also be related to over-medicating with sedatives, diabetic medications, or blood pressure therapy. Falls can be the consequence of aging or chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer.