The state of the art: Falls prevention in older people (Symposium: Chaired by S.R.Nyman).
Authors: Nyman, S.R.
Conference: BSG 2009: 38th Annual Conference of the British Society of Gerontology: Culture, Diversity and Ageing
Dates: 2-4 September 2009
Abstract:Symposium title: The state of the art: Falls prevention in older people
Symposium chair: Dr Samuel R Nyman School of Health and Social Care, University of Reading, Bulmershe Court, Reading, RG6 1HY, s.r.nyman@reading.ac.uk, Tel: 0118 378 5980, Mob: 0751 518 7884.
Structure 1. Introduction [5mins] Presenter: Dr Samuel R Nyman 2. Successful lifestyle-based interventions to prevent falls [18mins] Presenter: Dr Dawn Skelton HealthQWest and School of Health and Social Care, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, dawn.skelton@gcal.ac.uk, 0141 331 8792.
3. Successful environmental modifications to prevent falls [18mins] Presenter: Prof Claire Ballinger HealthQWest and School of Health and Social Care, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, claire.ballinger@gcal.ac.uk, 0141 331 8883.
4. Psychosocial issues in engaging older people with falls prevention interventions [18mins] Presenter: Dr Samuel R Nyman
5. The role of culture and diversity in the prevention of falls [18mins] Presenter: Dr Khim Horton Division of Health and Social Care, University of Surrey, Duke of Kent building, Guildford, GU2 7TE, K.Horton@surrey.ac.uk, 01483 684555.
6. Open discussion [13mins]
Summary of proposed symposium Falls are recognised around the world as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older people. One in three older people in the community and one in two in long-term care institutions fall each year. Falls can lead to a number of negative consequences including hip fracture and premature death, and treating falls costs the tax payer around £1 billion per annum. However, falls are not an inevitable part of ageing, and they can be prevented by interventions. This symposium aims to bring delegates up to date with reviews of the recent evidence and literature on falls prevention through five presentations: 1. Introduction Dr Samuel R Nyman [5mins] A brief introduction to the topic highlighting the importance of falls and their prevention for older people with reference to statistics on the frequency of falls, and description of their physical, economic, and psychological consequences.
2. Successful lifestyle-based interventions to prevent falls Dr Dawn Skelton [18mins] A review of the evidence for which lifestyle-based strategies successfully prevent falls in older people in the community and institutions. Strength and balance training and its role in preventing falls will be explained, with examples of what types of exercises help prevent falls, examples of the format of classes based on this approach, and how frail older people can participate in such interventions.
3. Successful environmental modifications to prevent falls Prof Claire Ballinger [18mins] A review of the evidence for which adaptations to older people’s environments successfully prevent falls in the community and in institutions. The role of occupational therapists in preventing falls will be explained, as well as the environment-fit perspective, and the use of environment hazard checklists critiqued.
4. Psychosocial issues in engaging older people with falls prevention Dr Samuel R Nyman [18mins] A review of the psychosocial factors that act as barriers and facilitators to older people’s participation in falls prevention interventions. This will include reference to the work of the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE) on intention to undertake strength and balance training, and a review underway of the images of old age implied in falls prevention advice.
5. The role of culture and diversity in the prevention of falls Presenter: Dr Khim Horton [18mins] Building on the fourth presentation, an overview of the influence of cultural norms on falls and their prevention will be presented. This will be illustrated with data from Department of Health funded research with a Chinese sample, and will consider the cultural context of older people’s views on falls, fear of falls, and participation in Tai Chi to prevent falls.
The symposium will conclude with time for questions and an overall discussion of the key issues raised in the presentations. The presenters bring expertise from a range of disciplines (exercise physiology, occupational therapy, psychology, and nursing) and members of ProFaNE.
Source: Manual