Abstract:

Recent figures from the National Injury Surveillance Unit show no clear upward or downward trend in falls among older Australians that result in mortality or hospitalisation. Australia's ageing population is increasing and unless a coordinated effective falls prevention program is implemented, costs associated with falls among the elderly are likely to continue increasing. This report reviews the available research evidence for effective strategies in reducing falls and injurious falls rates among older people. A search of the Australian and international literature on falls prevention was conducted, and studies in falls prevention were located for this review.