The Health Impacts And Costs Of Falling On Older Adults

Falls are the most frequent and devastating accidents in older adult (WHO, 2004). There are different interpretations related to falls. For instance, according to healthcare professions fall is an event leading to ill health and injuries, whereas older adults define it as a loss of balance (Zecevic et al., 2006). Approximately, 28% to 35% older adults age 65 years and older fall each year (WHO, 2007). Around 85% of these falls occurs in the home among older adults living independently (Tideiksaar, 1987). Falls accounts for 40% of all fatal injuries (Rubenstein, 2006). Fall is a reason for 25% of all hospital admissions, 40% of all nursing home admissions and 40% of those admitted do not return to independent living (Learn not to fall,†¦show more content†¦In 2010, the total medical as well as work-loss cost due to falls was $567 million (Ohio Department of Health, 2013). Explicitly, falls represent a major health challenge for older adults and the health care system. Fall ex perience in older adults is related to different consequences. The most common psychological effects caused by falling experience are fear of falling, loss of self-efficacy, activity avoidance and loss of self-confidence (Alice et al., 2008). Fear of falling is an increasing problem and serious concern among older adults (Kong et al., 2002). Related to the falling experience, older adults frequently report fear of falling (World Health Organization, 2007) also termed as ‘post-fall syndrome’ (Murphy Isaacs, 1982). Post-fall syndrome occurs when ambulatory persons develop an intense fear and walking disorders (i.e. gait and balance abnormalities) after a fall experience. Since, Murphy et al. defined post-fall syndrome, fear of fall was identified as one of the key symptoms of this syndrome and has gained recognition as a specific health problem among older adults. Fear of falling is widespread and has been reported as the most common fear of older adults (Howland et al. , 1993). It is an important aspect to consider, particularly for those who develop fear after having fallen (Gagnon Flint, 2003). However, fear of falling was also frequently found among older adults who had not yet experienced a fall due to age related