The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 47 No. 7 - What's New in Asthma Management

Don’t Fall for it. Prevention of falls

Wong Ann Mei
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 47 No 7 - What's New in Asthma Management
48 - 50
1 July 2021
0377-5305
Falls constitute a major risk to the health, well-being, and independence of older adults. It serves as a precursor to frailty, which is a marker of illness, isolation, and is associated with higher mortality rates. An unaddressed fall leads to recurrent falls if risk factors are not identified and addressed. Risk factors for falls are multi-factorial, requiring a comprehensive head-to-toe approach for both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Targeted bio-psycho-social interventions are effective, particularly in those with a history of falls. Falls are preventable if risk factors are identified early with the timely introduction of appropriate interventions.