Falls in the elderly

an analysis of the causes based on sex and age group

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the main causes of falls among the elderly and identify the most affected population, comparing men and women, as well as young elderly individuals (aged 60 to 74) and the oldest old (75 years or older). A narrative literature review was conducted, searching for articles published between 2015 and 2025 in the Google Scholar and Ebsco databases, using descriptors such as “elderly falls,” “fall prevention,” and “fall risks” in both Portuguese and English. After applying inclusion criteria (articles from 2015 to 2025) and exclusion criteria (reviews, irrelevant topics), 18 articles were selected for qualitative analysis. The results showed that falls are multifactorial, with a higher prevalence in women due to osteoporosis and lower muscle mass, and in individuals over 75 years old, associated with frailty, comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes, and the use of medications such as benzodiazepines. Home environments, especially bathrooms and kitchens, are the main locations, due to uneven floors, inadequate lighting, and lack of adaptations. The consequences include fractures (predominantly in lower limbs), functional decline, and increased mortality. The review revealed that multifactoriality demands preventive strategies focused on environmental adaptations and rehabilitation. Finally, advanced age, female sex, comorbidities, medications, and Frailty Syndrome are determining factors.