[Falls in elderly persons: evaluation of risk and prevention].
Falling represents a common and dangerous problem for the elderly. Approximately 30% of persons over age 65 who are independent and living on their own will fall each year. Falls in this age group result in a bone fracture 5% of the time. Risk factors for falls involve both environmental hazards and host issues. Evaluation of the patient, his or her living conditions, and any personal unsafe behaviors can identify those at risk of falling. Efforts to prevent falls in the elderly have involved education, strengthening exercises, medication evaluation, and environmental improvements.
Pepersack
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Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann, Département de Médecine Interne, Université Libre de Bruxelles.
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D004777:Environment; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors