Falls After Age 90: Inability to Get Up and Prolonged Time on Floor Portend Poor Outcomes

Fall risk increases with age. In this prospective study, U.K. investigators followed 110 elders (age, ≥90; 18% men) to determine the incidence and immediate aftermath of falls.

During 1 year of follow-up, 66 elders (60%) experienced 265 falls. In most falling incidents, elders were alone, were found on the floor, and required help getting up. After 21% of falls, elders remained on the floor for at least 1 hour or unknown duration. Inability to climb stairs was associated with inability to get up without help after one or more falls (odds ratio, 17, after adjustment for age, sex, and mobility). Severe cognitive impairment (OR, 8) and serious injury (OR, 7) were associated with remaining on the floor for at least 1 hour after falling. Lying on…