Balancing the Evidence on Exercise for Falls Prevention in Long-term Care

A dramatic increase in life expectancy ranks as one of society's greatest achievements. However, as populations age, falls are an increasing public health issue. Older people aged 60 years and older have the highest risk of death or serious injury from falls, and the risk increases with advancing age.1 In long-term care, falls rates are higher, with the average fall incidence estimated to be 1.6 falls per bed per year, with almost half of residents falling more than once a year.2 People living in long-term care tend to present with a profile of risk factors that differs from those who dwell in the broader community.