EDITORIAL-Falls Injuries: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention

ABSTRACT

Falls have been and continue to be a leading cause of death among older persons in the United States, affecting at least one in three persons, or as many as one in two persons over 65 years of age each year [1-3]. In addition, of those fallers who survive, 20-30 percent will suffer moderate to severe injuries sufficient to reduce mobility and independence, and to heighten the risk of premature death [4]. As well, about two-thirds will suffer another fall within the next six months [5], 42% will be admitted to hospital with a mean length of hospital stay of 11.6 days, and about 50% of all home based fall injury events that require hospitalization will result in a nursing home discharge [2]. In addition to enormous physical costs, the direct economic costs of falling injuries are consequently enormous [6].

Fortunately, a vast body of research has pinpointed a number of modifiable factors that can help explain the high rate of falling among the elderly, both in the community and in the nursing home setting. However, as the incidence of fall-related injuries and deaths continues to escalate along with the average age of current populations, such as the United States [7], more research is needed. Indeed, it would seem imperative, more than ever, to continue to examine why falls occur and what can be done to prevent or allay the aforementioned highly deleterious cycle of events that is found to be experienced by at least one third of persons over age 65, and about one in two over age 80, each year [1].