Falls prevention in older age in western pacific Asia region (z.j.)

To understand the epidemiology of falls among older population in the region, a literature review was conducted. The results show that incidence of falls were different in different countries and studies. The incidence of the falls in elderly aged 60 years and over was at least more than 10%, and some reached to 30.6%. Falls of elderly occurred frequently daytime, and among female elderly. The cost of falls in Australia was 500 million Australian Dollars in 2001, and ¥ 2 million ($17,000) per se, and ¥200 billion ($17,000,000) in total in Japan. Falls were the main reason of injury-related death among elderly, and led to many serious consequences. It was found that interventions including regular strength and balance training, vitamin D and calcium supplementation, reduction of psychotropic medication, visual intervention, home hazard assessment and modification can prevent falls happening among elderly. Western Pacific Region comprises of 37 countries and areas with a population of approximately 1746 million. In 2005 the population aged 60 years or above was accounted for 10.7%. The countries with more than 10% of population aged 60 year and over are Japan (23.6%), Australia(16.2%), New Zealand(15.4%), Singapore(11.4%), China [10.1%, Hong Kong (14.7%) ], Republic of Korea(11.0%), except of Pitcaim Island (its population is too small to be included in). With the fast population ageing, falls among older people become a big challenge in the region. To understand the current situation and its related risk factors of falls among elderly in this region, a literature review was conducted.