Learning Objective #1: Understand the rate of fall in terms of age group and outdoor activity level in Korean community-dwelling elderly

Learning Objective #2: Understand the risk factors for falls among the Korean community-dwelling elderly

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Community-based centres were surveyed to determine the frequency of and risk factors for falls among elderly Koreans. We examined fall-related risk factors, including physiological and physical health, psychosocial functions, self-reported physical capacity and activity, vision, and the use of medication, among 351 elderly people aged 65 years or older, with no history of fracture. Forty-two per cent of elderly Korean subjects reported at least one episode of falling in the previous 12 months, 38% of whom had consequences that required either the attention of a physician or hospitalization. Younger subjects, aged 65–74 years, were more likely to fall than older subjects. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of falling were a change to restricted activity during the previous five years, taking nutritional supplements or herbal medicines, low knee-muscle strength, and poor balance with closed eyes. Difficulty in standing or walking due to recent morbidity or high diastolic blood pressure was marginally significant. We conclude that falls among older persons living in the community are common in Korea and that indicator of bad health and frailty or variables directly related to neuromuscular impairment are significant predictors of the risk of falling.