Citation

Peel NM. Can. J. Aging 2011; 30(1): 7-19.

Affiliation

Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine, The University of Queensland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Cambridge Press)

DOI

10.1017/S071498081000070X

PMID

21401978

Abstract

Worldwide, falls among older people are a public health concern because of their frequency and adverse consequences in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, as well as their impact on health system services and costs. This epidemiological review outlines the public health burden of falls and fall-related injuries and the impact of population aging. The magnitude of the problem is described in terms of the classification of falls and measurement of outcomes, including fall incidence rates across settings, sociodemographic determinants, international trends, and costs of falls and fall-related injuries. Finally, public health approaches to minimize falls risk and consequent demand on health care resources are suggested.

Language: en