Falls in the healthy elderly: predisposing causes

Abstract

One hundred healthy men and women aged 65-85 took part in a prospective study. They were clinically examined and underwent laboratory tests of gait, balance and reaction time at the start of an observation year. All falls occurring in that year were analysed in detail. Three-quarters of them were trips or slips; however, ten personal factors were identified which, if present, increased the likelihood of a fall occurring. These were: disturbance of gait following a rest period accompanied by a lighting change (in persons aged 70 and over); an absent or abnormal plantar reflex; failure to wear prescribed spectacles; the presence of anxiety/depression, of a foot problem, or of two or more self-perceived limitations on mobility; a history of former wearing of high heels; a sustained drop in pulse pressure 5 min after cessation of a rest period; restricted neck movements; and the presence of an inverse Romberg ratio. The number of circumstantial and personal factors contributing to the falls varied between three and twelve.