[Recurrent falls in the elderly]

Abstract

Background: Approximately 30% of community-dwelling elderly people in developed countries fall at least once each year. Although only 10% of falls lead to serious injuries, these represent a considerable share of all injury-related hospital admissions, with high mortality and morbidity and high health care costs. Early detection of persons at risk and effective intervention measures are needed. The article gives an overview of current knowledge in this field.

Methods: A limited literature search (1989-2001) and a telephone survey among all geriatric units in Norway.

Results: Recurrent falls are a multifactorial problem requiring a multifactorial intervention strategy at any care level and between levels. Exercise/balance training and hip protectors seem to be the most effective measures in preventing falls and fall injuries.

Interpretation: Feasible selection criteria, good cooperation routines and knowledge of local resources are important. Awareness of the problem is needed not only in geriatricians, but all health professionals caring for elderly patients.