Analysis of selected risk factors for falls amongst patients over 65

Aim
The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors for falls in people over 65 years old.

Material and methods
The study group consisted of 115 randomly selected patients aged 65 years and older with musculoskeletal disorders. The study was carried out in the Regional Hospital of St. Padre Pio in Przemyśl in the cardiology, neurology and rehabilitation wards. The study was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, the technique was the questionnaire study, and the research tool was the original questionnaire survey.

Results
According to respondents, falls most often occurred at home during the day. Among the risk factors for falls in the elderly in the place of residence are: slippery floors (69.9%), carpets (55.7%) and poor lighting. As a consequence of the falls, some respondents had to limit their previous activity. In order to prevent falls, 21.7% of respondents regularly exercise at home. Among the risk factors of falls in the elderly at home there were: slippery floors (69.9%), carpets (55.7%) and bad lighting. As a consequence of falls some of the respondents had to limit their current activity. In order to prevent falls 21.7% of respondents regularly perform exercises at home.

Conclusions
Seniors who experience falls are most often people with pain ailments of the musculoskeletal system. People who take more medications and people who take medications that lower blood pressure experience falls more frequently. Falling seniors suffer fractures and fear another fall. Seniors do not use physical activity to prevent falls.