The DO

Preventing illness and injury: Is it ever too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle?

By The DO Staff

05.02.24

One in every five people in the United States (U.S.) is over 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As of 2020, this adds up to 56.4 million people. Although older patients are not as afraid of dying as much as they are afraid of losing their independence, it is hypothesized that one fall leading to a trip to the ER portends a higher risk (up to 21 percent) of mortality within one year.