Slideshow
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Tai Chi_0313 Slideshow
All older adults who are at risk of falling should be offered an exercise program incorporating balance, gait, and strength training, such as Tai Chi or physical therapy. Flexibility and endurance training should also be offered, but not as sole components of the program.
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Older woman swimming_0313 Slideshow
Exercise may be performed in groups or as individual exercises, as both are effective in preventing falls (B).
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Vitamin D_0313 Slideshow
Vitamin D supplements of at least 800 IU per day should be provided to older persons with proven vitamin D deficiency (A).
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Home assessment_0313 Slideshow
Home environment assessment and intervention carried out by a health care professional should be included in a multifactorial assessment and intervention, and should mitigate identified hazards to promote the safe performance of daily activities.
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Medications_0313 Slideshow
Psychoactive medications (hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants) and antipsychotics (including new antidepressants or antipsychotics) should be minimized or withdrawn, with appropriate tapering if indicated. A reduction in the total number of overall medications or dose of individual medications should be pursued (B).
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Cataract Exam_0313 Slideshow
In older women in whom cataract surgery is indicated, surgery should be expedited as it reduces the risk of falling (B).
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Hypotension_0313 Slideshow
Assessment and treatment of postural hypotension should be included as components of multifactorial interventions to prevent falls in older persons (B).
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Pacemaker_0313 Slideshow
Dual chamber cardiac pacing should be considered for older persons with cardioinhibitory carotid sinus hypersensitivity who experience unexplained recurrent falls (B).
