Does mortality of the aged increase with the number of falls? Results from a nine-year follow-up study

摘要: The objective of the study was to examine predictive effect prospectively registered falls on survival within a randomly selected group elderly women. A longitudinal study, with 9 years follows up after 1 year prospective fall registration designed. Persons age 75 or more living in community. total 300 Norwegian women; mean 80.8 participated study. Base-line registrations health, functioning and medication were made. Falls which occurred during 1-year period baseline as well date death 9-year end period. Half women reported one (1–11). Eighty-six (28.7%) experienced only 65 (21.7%) had at least two. During follow-up period, 41.7% died. Cox regression analyzes demonstrated that frequent falling, old self-reported worsening health significantly associated mortality Their relative risks when experiencing two 1.6 (95% CI 1.1–2.4), P = 0.04, compared no falls. Older fallers appear have markedly increased mortality. Since are common among people, this is relevant fact for public policy. Increasing age, poor self-rated high frequency predict independently our follow Because represent largest proportion amendable, preventive may potential significant impact increasing life.