Prevention for the older woman. Mobility: a practical guide to managing osteoarthritis and falls. Part 6

By anticipating issues of mobility, physicians can help older women lead more independent and satisfying lives. Osteoarthritis is a major cause of physical disability in older women. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, and judicious analgesic use can be well-tolerated interventions that reduce pain and disability. Reducing the risk of injurious falls is paramount given the prevalence of osteoporosis. Interventions that may reduce fall risk include minimizing the use of sedative-hypnotic agents, providing training in transfer skills (balance and gait training), and adapting the home environment.