To Fall Is Human: Falls, Gait, and Balance in Older Adults

Abstract

Falls are common throughout a life span; however, they become particularly dangerous as people age. Serious injuries, such as hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and death, frequently occur to older adults as a result of falls. As such, the importance of screening, recognizing, and managing risk factors for falls is paramount for clinicians and their patients. This chapter delves into the evidence-based fall evaluation recommendations and provides insights on modifiable risk factors that may be overlooked. Although the busy clinician may find it difficult to add yet another item on the to-do list of patient screening and prevention, a simple fall evaluation once a year, directed toward the at-risk population, can result in large patient benefits.