EIRP Proceedings, Vol 15, No 1 (2020)

Abstract

The background papers that underlie this report refer to a considerable body of evidence indicatingthe effectiveness of a number of interventions for falls prevention. These include strength and balancetraining, environmental modification and medical care aimed at removing or reducing specific risk factors byfor example review of medications and reduction of polypharmacy. Falls prevention advice is often perceivedas being for other ‘disabled or elderly people’. Programmes that are perceived to impact negatively on selfimageare likely to be unattractive while those, which are viewed as improving skills or characteristics valuedby older people, are likely to be more popular. In interviews older people say that they would participate infalls-prevention initiatives to be proactive in managing their own health needs, maintain independence andimprove confidence.