Abstract

A vast majority of the disability and mortality cases in older persons are as a result of falls. These falls are quite common, affecting 1 in 4 older adults. They also predispose this high-risk population to fractures, reduce their mobility, affect their independence, and result in hospital admissions and even deaths. Falls can occur due to extrinsic factors like unsafe environments, and intrinsic factors like chronic diseases, gait and vision problems, sarcopenia, and polypharmacy. To prevent first-time falls and recurrent falls, proper evaluation of fall risk assessment is important in the identification and correction of these risk factors. This is also where strategies such as exercise, home interventions, review of medications, eliminating hazards, and technologies come in. These strategies can either be used solely, or combined, with each option yielding different results in reducing fall risk and occurrence/recurrence. This narrative review highlights key evidence on falls, fall prevention strategies, and the need for patient-focused innovation to improve the health of older adults and promote safe aging in our communities.