Assessing falls in older adults. (cover story)

ACCIDENTAL falls; OLDER people; EXERCISE; PERIODIC health examinations; THERAPEUTICS

Falls account for significant morbidity and mortality in the older adult population. A comprehensive fall evaluation (CFE) is proposed, particularly for use in recurrent fallers, those who seek medical attention for a fall, and those with a gait and/or balance disorder. The CFE focuses on key factors in the medical and fall history, review of systems, and physical examination, interventions utilize a multifactorial model, although balance exercise may be the most critical component. While some components may be marginally successful when presented individually as an intervention (such as correction of vision impairment or environmental hazard reduction), when presented together, fall risk can be significantly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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