Fall Prevention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Ann Intern Med. 2018 Dec 4;169(11):ITC81-ITC96. doi: 10.7326/AITC201812040.

Abstract

Falls are common among older adults. One in 3 adults aged 65 years or older and 1 in 2 adults aged 80 years or older fall each year. Interventions for prevention have been identified; however, they are often not addressed in primary care practice. Screening all older adults annually for falls can identify who will benefit from further clinical evaluation and management. Falls and the need for care from subsequent injury increase with age. They adversely affect quality of life and are a financial burden on the health care industry. As a result, risk reduction is a key focus of prevention efforts, even among very elderly persons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / economics
  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • Independent Living*
  • Mass Screening
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors