Preventing falls in the geriatric population.

Introduction The word “fall” does not usually strike fear in the hearts of most people. But it should. Falls are all too common in the geriatric population, and they have devastating consequences. They are the leading cause of injury and death by injury in adults over the age of 65 years. One of 3 community-dwelling older adults falls each year, with 24% of those who fall sustaining serious injuries and 6% sustaining fractures. In the year 2000, falls cost the US health care system more than $19 billion, a number that is expected to increase to $54.9 billion by 2020. A person who falls may subsequently experience pain, hospitalization, surgical intervention, admission to a nursing home, decreased overall functional ability, poorer quality of life, or a fear of falling. Fear of Falling Fear of falling is a defined geriatric syndrome that may contribute to further functional decline in an already frail patient. When people experience something unpleasant, their natural response is an aversion to that experience. People may begin to limit their activities after a fall or as they become weaker and less agile with increasing age. This leads to a more sedentary lifestyle and physical atrophy, which further predisposes them to falls. Successful encouragement to maintain or increase physical activity may promote the ability to avoid falling or to catch oneself before a fall.