Falls and related consequences in old age

Older populations are expanding all over the world. Falls present the most common cause of injury in old age and pose a serious threat to public health. The incidence rate of falls increases with age; in Western countries about 50% of persons aged 75 years and older fall every year. Head injuries and hip fractures are severe consequences of falls. But not only the physical injuries of falls are devastating, simply the fear of falling and decreased balance confidence can have major implications for quality of life and health as well as for level of physical activity, physical capacity, and participation in desired activities. Falls, especially recurrent falls, are avoidable. Research on fall prevention in South Africa is sparse and therefore this project will initiate collaboration and planning of such a study.