Falls and fall-related injuries are common in community-dwelling older adults and tend to be multi-factorial. Here are 10 strategies to help reduce them:
1. Exercise including functional and strength/resistance training
2. Surgical correction of health conditions (ie. hip prosthesis, cataract surgery)
3. Medical management of urinary incontinence
4. Nutritional therapy and supplements to optimize hydration and nutrition
5. Psychological intervention by use of CBT and social engagement
6. Home and environmental modification with adaptions where needed
7. Provide assistive technology for personal mobility, sight, and hearing
8. Manage orthostatic hypotension with counselling and medication review
9. Basic falls risk assessment with cardiovascular assessment and fracture risk screening
10. In some cases, chiropractic care can improve sensorimotor function
Remember, if you can do only one, exercise is the most important single intervention that reduces fall rates and fractures. Combining it with a basic fall risk assessment, assistive technology and environmental modification can significantly reduce fall rates!
Dautzenberg L, Beglinger S, Tsokani S, et al. Interventions for preventing falls and fall-related fractures in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;69(10):2973-2984. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17375