Falls in older adults

Sara M. Bradley*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Falls are prevalent among older adults and can lead to injury, hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs. Environmental hazards, medications, vision problems, and impairments in strength, gait, or balance can increase fall risk. A multifactorial fall-risk assessment including a fall history, physical exam, gait and balance evaluation, and environmental assessment is recommended for all older adults who present with a fall or problem with gait or balance. Multiple-component exercise programs, tai chi, vitamin D supplementation, withdrawal of psychotropic medications, and early cataract surgery have all been shown to reduce fall rates. Multifactorial interventions that include medication review, vision correction, management of orthostasis, environmental modification, and balance, strength, and gait training can also be beneficial in preventing falls.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)590-595
Number of pages6
JournalMount Sinai Journal of Medicine
Volume78
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2011

Keywords

  • fall prevention
  • falls
  • older adults

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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