Falls in the elderly: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of falls in the elderly and factors associated with falls. Fall was set to change from one position to another, in a lower level, featuring a geriatric syndrome. It was observed a high prevalence of falls in the elderly living in the community – 30% to 40% in people over 65 years old, and half came to fall more than once. The prevalence increased with age, peaking at 50% above 80 years old. In the European Union, occur, each year, close to 40,000 elderly deaths due to falls. Senior citizens over 80 years of age have a mortality rate associated with falls six times higher than the elderly between 65 and 79 years of age, since they fall more often and are more fragile. In the United States the prevalence was 30%, increasing to 50% after 75 years of age. The prevalence of falls increases in subgroups of patients with physical disabilities. In Brazil, several authors have observed prevalence between 30% and 60%. The condition, the high prevalence, consequences, disabilities and high cost justified the study. The factors associated with falls in the elderly were identified through systematic reviews, having been recovered in two groups: intrinsic and extrinsic. The first included hemodynamic factors, use of medications, neurological, neurosensorial and musculoskeletal diseases. Between the extrinsic risk factors cited is inadequate lighting, slippery slope, objects or furniture in inappropriate locations and stairs and ramps without the appropriate adaptations. It was concluded that the prevalence of falling in the elderly varies from 14% (European population studies) by 50% or more in the elderly over 80 years of age interned in long-stay institutions. The identification of risk factors depends on the environment, the study population profile and the type of study.