Falls in the elderly

As individuals age, they become more likely to fall. Falls can occur due to a range of factors and are associated with significant mortality and morbidity in the elderly population. Around one-third of elderly people living in the community fall every year. Not only do falls often lead to injuries they also impact patients confidence and independence. Therefore it is important to understand the causes of falls and how they may be prevented.

Gait and falling

Normal gait involves:

• The neurological system - basal ganglia and cortical basal ganglia loop.
• The musculoskeletal system (which must have appropriate tone and strength).
• Effective processing of the senses such as sight, sound, and sensation (fine touch and proprioception).

As individuals get older they are more likely to experience medical problems affecting these systems, which leads to gait abnormalities and increases the risk of falls.

Risk factors for falling

Falls often occur due to a range of factors and individuals who have fallen previously are at a significantly higher risk of falling again. Other risk factors include:

• Lower limb muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Balance/gait disturbances (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and parkinson's disease etc)
• Polypharmacy (4+ medications)
• Incontinence

• 65

• Have a fear of falling
• Depression
• Postural hypotension
• Arthritis in lower limbs