Des chutes en abîme, une chute en cache une autre⋯

Abstract

A physical fall calls for two careful and complementary clinical approaches: medical and psychological. Falls take on a particular meaning and distinctive characteristics in middle age, and the subsequent stages of ageing. They appear and act as a counterpoise, a singular, specific echo, between past falls (in particular the very first falls in infancy) and probable future falls, including the dreaded "last fall of all". A fall gives an indication, reveals, imposes or prefigures. It is a buffer which invites (or repels) a more assured, and clearer involvement in coping withageing and a re-placing of oneself in the trajectory of life. It can constitute a risk of destruction, but also,above all, an opportunity for a symbolic withdrawal and the attainment of a feeling of buoyancy. © L'Esprit du Temps.