Understanding Falls in Late Life: A Review of the Empirical Literature

One in three Americans aged 65+ experience unanticipated falls requiring medical care annually. Falls are associated with physical and psychological morbidities, decreased quality of life, and high health care costs. From a review of the falls literature published from 2002-2012, three distinct interrelated dimensions of falls emerged: (1)Prevention; (2)Risk Factors; and (3)Intervention strategies. Studies on falls among older community-dwelling adults dominated the literature, although residents of care facilities generally have greater risks of falling. Findings suggest the need for interdisciplinary approaches for fall prevention and intervention that focuses on common risk factors as well as individual circumstances.