EXPORT CITATION

Chapter-08 Falls in Elderly

BOOK TITLE: Principles of Geriatric Physiotherapy

Author
1. Multani Narinder Kaur
2. Verma Satish Kumar
ISBN
9788184481051
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10676_8
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2007
Pages
9
Author Affiliations
1. Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab
2. Dean Research, Dean Faculty of Medicine, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, New Delhi, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Reflecting the rapid ageing of the population worldwide, “ageing and health” is becoming a dominant concern in the new millennium. The susceptibility to fall is an increasing problem with ageing that could compromise health and quality of the elderly. Therefore, prevention of falls is an important construct which needs to be emphasized in health care system. Individuals of all ages are at risk of falling. For elderly, however, falls have a much greater relevance, as they can lead to disability, injuries, and death. The social cost of falls is enormous, and becomes even greater when the aged victim suffers reductions in autonomy and independence, or needs to be institutionalized. Risk factors associated with the occurrence of falls in elderly are classified as (i) intrinsic or host factors and (ii) extrinsic or environmental factors. Current research indicates that falls in the elderly are typically multifactorial. Thus it is suggested that the physical therapist who is working with older adults should determine both intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with a particular fall and reduce or correct as many of these as possible. This chapter presents a comprehensive approach of evaluation and treatment of falls in elderly.

© 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved