Falls-prevention programs for older ambulatory community dwellers: from public health research to health promotion policy.
OBJECTIVE
Falls result in significant morbidity and mortality among the elderly. The purpose was to review the public health research literature on falls prevention among community-dwelling older adults and derive evidence-based implications for health promotion policy.


METHODS
CINAHL, COCHRANE, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PUBMED databases were used to search the research literature concerning falls epidemiology, injury mechanisms, and falls-prevention strategies published during 1966-2003.


RESULTS
Falls affect one in three older adults living in the community and result in significant fall-related injuries that constitute an important and costly public health problem. There are numerous, but potentially modifiable, determinants of falls. Several community falls-prevention programs have been shown to reduce the incidence of falls and fall-related injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
The review suggests that there is compelling evidence from public health research to support health promotion policy for making societal investments in community falls-prevention programs.
Marks
Ray
R
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Center for Health Promotion, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, USA. rm226@columbia.edu
Allegrante
John P
JP
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors