Key challenges in the area of musculoskeletal health in older adults are considerable because we have a dramatic increase in older adults and prolonged life expectancy, greatly increasing the likelihood of development of arthritis, osteoporosis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

More than 6.8 million injury episodes for which people sought medical treatment were self-reported by individuals in 2012. The majority of injuries occurred to people between the ages of 18 and 64 years, the ages that comprised 83% of the over-18-year population in the United States. Sprains and strains was the most frequent injury type for which medical care was sought, but 16% suffered fractures, 14% severe contusions, and 13% open wounds.