BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate fall trends, risk factors, and interventions aimed at reducing falls in older adult trauma patients in the healthcare and community settings in the United States. METHODS: A review was conducted utilizing PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane, and Google Scholar search databases to identify relevant articles published prior to July 7, 2024. Studies were included if they assessed falls among the older adult population aged 55 years and older. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies assessed met the inclusion criteria. Despite decreasing fall incidence in the community and hospital setting, fall-associated injuries, hospitalizations, and mortality in older adults have increased. Common predisposing factors for falls among older adults in the community and healthcare settings include advanced age, history of falls, recent hospitalization, and comorbid conditions affecting cognition, gait, and visual acuity. Interventions including strengthening exercise programs and individualized multifactorial plans reduced falls and fall-associated injuries in most studies. CONCLUSION: Recent years demonstrated an increase in fall-associated injuries, hospitalizations, and mortality which underscores the urgent need for targeted multifactorial interventions.
With permission from Excerpta Medica Inc.

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