Landmark publication of World Falls Guidelines

The ‘World Guidelines for Falls Prevention and Management for Older Adults: A Global Initiative’ were published today in Age and Ageing, the scientific journal of the British Geriatrics Society. These guidelines were developed by the World Falls Task Force, which assembled 96 multidisciplinary experts from 39 countries across 5 continents, with representation from 36 scientific and academic societies.

An elderly person lying on steps following a fall.

Those aged over 80 have a 50% chance of falling at least once a year, which can result in a loss of confidence and independence, pain, injury and even death.

Associate Professor Cathy Said from Western Health and the University of Melbourne was a key participant in the task force.

The World Guidelines for Falls aim to provide a framework and expert recommendations to healthcare and other professionals working with older adults on how to identify and assess the risk of falls.

Associate Professor Said is available for interview to discuss the prevention and management of falls.

More Information

Annie Rahilly

arahilly@unimelb.edu.au

+61 432 758 734