The percentage of US adults 65 and older who received a prescription for a drug that increased their risk of falling rose to 94% in 2017—a significant leap from 57% in 1999, researchers report. The research also shows that the rate of fall-caused deaths in older adults more than doubled during the same time period. Even minor falls may be dangerous for older adults. Falls that are not fatal can still result in injuries—such as hip fractures and head traumas—that may drastically lower remaining quality of life. Each year, nearly $50 billion is spent on medical costs related to fall injuries among older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.