Abstract: ObjectiveTo obtain baseline information on falls among elderly Chinese,including demographic data,the incidence and consequences of falls.MethodsThis study was a comparative descriptive design.A sample survey with 415 participants was conducted.Interview,observation and review of medical records were incorporated in data collection.ResultsThe annual incidence of falls among the elderly was 14 percent.Fractures occurred in 613 percent of falls.Most fallers experienced soft tissue injures,a temporary decrease in daily activity level,andfear of falling again.ConclusionThe annual incidence of falls and injuries resulted from falls are high among the elderly.Even though it was a nonfatal injury,it might develop fatal complications or serious functional impairments.Falls in the elderly often result in functional decline in physiological,psychological and social status.Falling is one of the risk factors that threatening the life and health of the elderly, which worth the efforts to explore its epidemiology,related risk factors and effective strategies for prevention.Further investigation is indicated to clarify whether ethnic or cultural differences exist in fall incidence.