Falls in the elderly and clinical comorbidities

Abstract

Falls can be defined as unintentional displacements of the body to a level below the starting position due to the inability to be corrected in timely manner. Falls among the elderly are a major public health problem due to complications that can cause health problems and the high costs for health assistance both for the hospital as well as the family. Loss of autonomy, of independence, the presence of fractures, restricted activity and immobility may cause increased risk of institutionalization of the elderly. This outcome increases functional decline, may lead to psychological problems such as depression, fear of suffering new falls and the risk of death as well as social impairments related to the family. Many factors are responsible for the development of such events and it is necessary to know both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors to plan and implement measures to prevent falls among the elderly. This paper aims to identify the risk factors associated with falls among the elderly. We used the literature review method and as research sources: journals, theses and scientific articles indexed in electronic databases. The most commonly found factors in the literature associated with falls among the elderly were: advanced age, sedentary lifestyle, a greater number of the use of continuous medications, the use of benzodiazepine, the presence of chronic diseases, including: dementia, impaired visual acuity, history of falls, self-perception of poor health, depression, obstacles in the household, presence of abnormal gait and balance. We conclude that knowledge of risk factors is important to guide the planning of preventive measures and public policies to avoid falls and their consequences, aiming the reduction of functional decline and improvement of the quality of life of the elderly population.