Multiple Falls in Elderly People

Falls are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. They are a common problem and often go untreated. A multi-faceted interaction of internal and external risk factors causes falls.

Personal Alarms for elderly Physical activity related risk factors include difficulty in gait, difficulty with daily activities, and impairments. Environmental hazards are another factor that may increase the risk of falling. These can be caused by an unsafe walking surface or by furniture.

There are two main categories of falls in older individuals. Injurious falls, which result in injury, and environmental falls, which result in non-injurious damage. It is important to know which category an individual falls into. Identifying a person's fall risk is possible with a targeted history and physical examination.

The majority of falls in older people occur due to multiple causes. Generally, the risk is exacerbated by a reduced level of activity. This can lead to further declines in physical functioning.

Several studies have investigated the factors that contribute to injurious falls. Researchers have examined musculoskeletal problems, peripheral neuromuscular dysfunction, depression, and social and health factors. Other studies have focused on the footwear of older persons.

Studies have also been conducted on the use of antithrombotic agents. Medications should be reviewed with specific attention to sedatives, antihypertensive medications, and psychotropic drugs.

Some studies have also investigated the prevalence of falls in older people. They found that 27.5 percent of adults over the age of 65 years have at least one fall in the past year.