ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY FALLS IN THE ELDERLY PEOPLE: A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is a great growth of the elderly population at the global level, this process is accompanied by a series of changes in the lives of the elderly, which deserve to highlight the occurrence of falls, a factor that can interfere in the quality of life of the elderly. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to describe through a literature review on accidents due to fall in the old. METHODS: this is an integrative review of the literature. To this end, a search was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) with the following expression: "Accidents by Falls and Elderly". RESULTS: In summary, the studies addressed the following themes: Prevalence and factors associated with the fall of the elderly, Impact of falls on the quality of life of the elderly, Feelings of the elderly after fall, Prevention of falls in the elderly. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of falls in the elderly is related to several factors and is considered a serious public health problem that affects the quality of life and physical and psychological health of these people. It is therefore up to health professionals to implement actions that favor the management and prevention of falls.