The aging population and falls: Consequences and costs

Abstract

Adults 60 years of age and older are the fastest-growing group in the world. Falling is defined as "an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level" and is a common clinical and public health problem that affects many older adults. Approximately 5-10% of falls result in serious injury to the person. Bipedal locomotion that evolved as humans evolved places us at higher risk for falling. Perturbations to circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems, along with impaired cognition and concentration, can increase fall risk. Falls are costly. Falls can also have a significant impact on the quality of life of older adults. Fall prevention is paramount. Strategies aimed at preventing falls need to be multifaceted and widespread to address the many different risk factors.