[The Complexity in Fall Prevention and Mobility in Older Persons].

Abstract

The Complexity in Fall Prevention and Mobility in Older Persons Abstract: Falls have often far-reaching consequences for the older person. In contrast to the positive development in fall prevention over the last 20 years, the number of falls is still increasing in the older population worldwide. In addition, the fall risk varies between different settings, as for the community-dwelling older population fall rates of about 33% are reported whereas in the long-term care setting rates of about 60% are described. In the hospital setting fall rates are also higher than in community-dwelling older persons. Falls are seldom caused by just one single risk factor. The complexity of the interacting risk factors ranges from biological, socioeconomical, environmental, and behavioral risk factors. The following article will address the complexity and the dynamic interaction of these risk factors. Special interest will be given to the behavioral and environmental risk factors, as well as an effective screening and assessment, which are also presented in the new recommendations by the World Falls Guidelines (WFG).