Note: This document has been rescinded.
Synopsis
Falls are a major problem for the older person, with a significant morbidity and mortality. Overall at least one-third of people above the age of 65 fall once or more per annum. However, for the older person the problem is not just the greater propensity to fall, but also the increased liability to sustain an injury following a fall. Injuries such as fractures and lacerations demand prompt attention. The more subtle psychological sequelae such as anxiety and fear of further falls are often neglected but may cause restriction of activity, increasing dependency and institutionalisation. In general, the causes of falls are multifactorial and a multidisciplinary approach is essential.
This review will examine in greater detail the magnitude of the problem, the consequences of falling and management strategies. A final section describes primary prevention which may circumvent the progressive decline in function that is often evident in older people with this problem.
