1Assistant Professor, S. S. A. C. of Physiotherapy, Surat
2Supervisor, Sarvajanik College of Physiotherapy, Surat
Online published on 13 May, 2016.
The objective of this paper is to describe the perceived cause, environmental influences and resultant injuries of falls in older age people.
A survey of 100 subjects over 60 years old was carried out using a cluster sampling technique, where participants completed a fall history questionnaire describing the circumstances surrounding falls in the previous three months.
43 older adults out of 100 older adults reported with history of fall in past three months. Among 43, 18 were male and 25 were female. The mean age of fall in female is 70.53 and in male is 72.42 overall mean age of fall in older adult is 71.33. The mean age of faller is 72.68 and of non faller is 71.33. 61% of falls are inside the home while 23% falls are of outside the home and 16%of falls are in entrance or in the garden of home. 36% fall is due to balance lost, 22% is due to slipped, 12% by faint, 12% by dizziness, 7% by tripped, 7% by legs gave away and 4% older adults are not sure of their fall cause. 88% older adults suffered from injury after fall while 12% did not have any injury after fall. Among older adults who fall and suffered from any injury bruises is the most common type of injury.
Falls are a prevalent health problem in Indian older adults. Fall prevention is important to promote health and well being in older adults. In addition, regular evaluations can help identify patients at high risk who can then be targeted for specific treatment and prevention strategies.
