Epidemiology of Falls and Fall-Related Injuries

doi:10.1017/9781108594455.002

1 - Epidemiology of Falls and Fall-Related Injuries

from Part I - Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Falls

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 November 2021

Stephen R. Lord ,

Catherine Sherrington and

Cameron Hicks

Edited by

Stephen R. Lord ,

Catherine Sherrington and

Vasi Naganathan

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Stephen R. Lord: Affiliation:
Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney
Catherine Sherrington: Affiliation:
Sydney Medical School
Vasi Naganathan: Affiliation:
Concord Hospital

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Summary

In this chapter, we examine the epidemiology of falls in older people. We review the major studies that have described the incidence of falls, the locations where falls occur, and falls sequelae. We also examine the costs required to treat and manage fall-related injuries. Before addressing these issues, however, it is helpful to briefly discuss three important methodological considerations that are relevant to all research studies of falls in older people: how falls are defined, how falls are counted, and what constitutes an older person.

Type: Chapter
Information: Falls in Older People
Risk Factors, Strategies for Prevention and Implications for Practice
, pp. 3 - 22

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108594455.002 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2021

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