Table 1 Risk factors for falling
From: Role of physical activity in the prevention of falls and their consequences in the elderly
Intrinsic risk factors | Extrinsic risk factors | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Chronic | Temporary | Activity | Environmental |
Age over 75Â years | Loss of conscience | Usual activities | Indoor: |
Incapacity and chronic diseases usually associated to the degenerative process of aging: | Medication/drugs/alcohol | Hazardous activities | Bad lighting |
Degenerations and disturbances of the nervous and muscular–skeletal system functions and consequent decrease of functional capacity: reaction speed, muscular strength, reflexes, balance, mobility, gait pattern and speed | Other hallucinogenic substances |  | Slippery floors, loose rugs, telephone threads, other objects |
| Â | Ladders | ||
Stairways with steep steps, without walls and/or handrails | |||
Kitchen with difficult access to utensils and movable tables | |||
Bathroom without handrails for tub, shower and toilet and non-skid mat in tub or shower | |||
Bed too high or too low | |||
Urinary incontinence | Outdoor: | ||
Deficient vision | Uneven pavements, streets, paths | ||
Vestibular function disturbance | Repair works, obstacles | ||
Audition loss | Slippery floors | ||
Cognitive function disturbance | Rain, snow and ice | ||
Insanity | Traffic | ||
Depression | Public transport | ||
Memory loss | Animals | ||
Neurological pathologies such as Parkinson’s disease | Footwear | ||
Secondary effects of medication | |||