Abstract
Background: Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among older adults, often resulting in fractures, disability, loss of independence, and increased mortality.
Aim: This review explores the global burden of falls, highlights risk factors and regional disparities, and examines prevention and policy strategies with a focus on LMICs.
Methods: A narrative review of global and regional evidence, including systematic reviews, WHO guidelines, and country experiences, was conducted to synthesize current knowledge and identify policy implications.
Findings: Falls affect 30–40% of older adults annually and account for more than 684,000 deaths worldwide. Risk factors include physiological decline, chronic diseases, polypharmacy, environmental hazards, and social isolation. High-income countries have developed structured prevention programs, whereas LMICs face data gaps, limited resources, and competing health priorities.
Conclusion: Falls among older adults are largely preventable through multifactorial strategies, including primary care screening, community-based exercise, environmental modifications, and improved surveillance systems. As global ageing accelerates, prioritizing fall prevention is both a cost-effective investment and a moral responsibility to ensure safe and dignified ageing.
Keywords
Falls, Older adults, Aging, Injury prevention, Geriatric health, Developing countries, Global health, Public health, Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Elderly care