Assessment and prevention of falls in older people and in people 50 and over at higher risk—summary of updated NICE guidance

Falls are common in older people, and fall related injuries are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality.1 In the UK, it is estimated that one third of people aged ≥65 fall each year, rising to half of all people aged ≥80.23 Even when a fall does not result in injury, fear of future falls can lead to activity restriction and a decline in physical functioning.4 Interventions designed to modify risk factors for falls, such as home hazard interventions5 and exercise,6 can reduce the risk of falls and fall related injuries.