[Falls in the elderly and senior age prevention perspectives.]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Falls are a significant public health issue among the elderly, often requiring medical attention.
• Existing fall prevention efforts appear insufficient, necessitating a review of effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the status of postural balance in older adults.
• To identify empirically proven interventions for reducing falls in the elderly population.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 32 studies published between 2012 and 2018.
• Inclusion criteria focused on individuals aged 55 and older, excluding those with diabetes or chronic diseases.
• Key areas investigated included physical activity, exercise, and motivation for activity.

Main Results:

• Studies emphasize the role of regular physical activity (FA) and exercise in mitigating age-related functional decline.
• Gaps exist in research considering distinct patient groups (chronic illness, healthy, anxious).
• Promising areas include analyzing walking parameters to predict mobility decline and falls risk, alongside psychological support initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity and psychological support show promise for fall prevention in the elderly.
• Further research is needed to address diverse elderly populations and refine predictive mobility assessments.