FALLS IN ELDERLY: RISK FACTORS

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy in developing countries has caused concern about life quality and well-being of older, especially about the occurrence of falls. Falls among the elderly are one of the principal clinical problems and public health because of the high incidence, the complications and the high cost assistance. About 30% of people aged 65 years or more fall at least once a year. So, the objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors of the elderly falls, and the changes related to basics activities of daily life. The study was made through the bibliography revision in books-texts and articles with varied degrees of recommendation and levels of evidence. The causes of falls in elderly can be varied and associates and the responsible factors intrinsic or extrinsic. The number of falls increase with the age in both genres, in every ethnical and racial groups. When comparing the rate of falls among the community elderly, hospitalized and institutionalized, the number tends to increase in that order. The information in this study contribute to preventive measures, multiple and integral approach and detailed anamnesis and directed to the causes of elderly falls. The ideal is to delay the inability and keep the physical and mental abilities to live independently and autonomously.