Falls in older adults are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are a major class of preventable injuries. Falling is one of the most common accidents that cause a loss of function, independence, and quality of life for older adults, and is usually precipitated by multiple risk factors. The cause of falling in old age is often multi-factorial, and a multidisciplinary approach may be needed both to prevent and to treat any injuries sustained.
The definition of a "fall" tends to vary depending on who is reporting the fall and to whom, though it is generally accepted that falling includes dropping from a high position to a low one, often quickly. However a fall does not necessarily mean falling to the ground: the individual could fall back into a chair or bed, and they may be assisted by another person to help slow down the fall and perhaps avoid injury. The severity of injury is generally related to the height of the fall and the individual's health, for example whether there is osteoporosis. The type of surface onto which the person falls is also important as harder surfaces can cause more severe injury.
