[Falls and osteoporoses].
Falls are common in each period of life. They become more important in old age as they may lead to impairment and handicap, as well as to an increased need for social and financial support, or to admission to nursing homes. Although geriatric syndromes are well known, the entity of osteoporoses, gait disturbances and falls is not established in community based health services. There are many reasons for the negotiation--lack of awareness in professionals as well in the people themselves, lack of time and lack of financing by health insurance, fear of consequences, as admission to a nursing home. Therefore it would be of interest to raise the awareness in medical professions, especially in general practitioners. Cochrane data analysis proves the efficiency of fall prevention programmes, mainly of exercise and environmental adaptations.
Pils
Katharina
K
LBI für Angewandte Gerontologie, SMZ-Sophienspital, Apollogasse 19, Vienna, Austria. katharina.pils@wienkav.at
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*