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Research Article Volume 11 Issue 1
Falls in older adults: from numbers to action
Cidália da Fátima Cabral de Frias, José Carlos dos Reis Lopes, Maria da Graça Orfão Miguel
Professor at the University of the Azores, School of Health Sciences, Portugal
Professor at the Higher Institute of Accounting and Administration of Lisbon, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
Received: January 27, 2026 | Published: February 16, 2026
Citation: Lopess JCR, Frias CFC, Miguel MGO. Falls in older adults: from numbers to action. MOJ Gerontol Ger. 2026;11(1):11‒15. DOI: 10.15406/mojgg.2026.11.00352
Abstract
The progressive aging of the population represents a growing challenge for healthcare systems and is associated with an increased prevalence of falls among older adults, particularly in institutional settings. Falls are considered by the World Health Organization (2021) a major public health problem due to their high incidence, morbidity, mortality, and negative impact on autonomy, functionality, and quality of life. Falls are the second leading cause of death from accidental injuries worldwide.
This article aims to analyze the main risk factors, consequences, and fall prevention strategies among institutionalized older adults, based on a project developed in a nursing home and day care center in an inland region of northern Portugal.
This is a descriptive study grounded in a literature review and observation of the institutional context. The results show that falls result from the interaction of multiple factors (intrinsic and extrinsic) and can be prevented through multidimensional interventions, particularly environmental adaptation, health education, and the promotion of functional autonomy.
It is concluded that
implementing systematic preventive strategies can significantly contribute to
reducing fall risk and improving the quality of life of institutionalized older
adults.
Keywords: aging, falls, prevention, institutionalization, risk factors
©2026 Lopess, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.