Health and lifestyle risk factors for falls in a large population-based sample of older people in Australia

IntroductionFall-related injuries among older people is a significant public health issue.MethodTo identify medical, general health and lifestyle factors associated with falls and multiple falls in older persons, a representative sample of people aged 65 + years living in the community in New South Wales (NSW) Australia were surveyed regarding their falls experience, lifestyle and general health.ResultsOne-quarter of respondents indicated they had fallen in the past 12 months. People who fell were more likely to be aged 85 + years, have cataracts, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders, major diseases of the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems, use four or more medications, use a mobility aid and be overweight than non-fallers. Individuals aged 85 + years and those who experienced circulatory diseases, used four or more medications and used mobility aids were more likely to experience multiple falls.DiscussionThis representative population-based survey reinforces the multi-factorial nature of falls and the complex interaction of risk factors that increase the likelihood of individuals having a fall or multiple falls. Agencies focused on community-based fall prevention strategies should adopt a systematic, integrated approach to reduce the burden of fall injury at the population-level and should have mechanisms in place at the population-level to monitor the success of fall reduction strategies.

► Falls are an important cause of serious injury amongst older individuals.
► This study demonstrates the ability to achieve population-level baseline data to monitor the future impact of fall injury reduction strategies
► Reinforces the multi-factorial nature of falls and the complex interaction of fall risk factors and highlights the need for monitoring success of implementation strategies at the population-level.
► Different prevention strategies are needed to address the needs of sub-populations as fall risk factors can differ between single and multiple fallers.