BACKGROUND A Cochrane review from 2003 found that about 30% of people 65 years or older each year fall and that number is even higher for elder people living in institutions. Falls are the cause of 95% of all hip fractures, resulting in prolonged hospitalization and prolonged disability. Half of the elderly who incurs hip fracture will never be able to walk like they did before the fall, and one year mortality is between 15 and 25%. Meanwhile, the population 65 years old and older are increasing and the National Institute of Aging notes in a 2001 report that the world's population of 65 years old and older is growing by 800.000 a year. It is estimated that the cost of fall-related accidents in 2020 will reach $54.9 billion in the U.S. alone.