Preventing falls in the aged: a challenge in patient safety

Falls and fall-related injuries are considered an important public health problem, with implications for the health and well-being of older people and society in general. This article seeks to reflect on this issue, in order to understand the magnitude of the problem, associated factors and main preventive interventions. Assessment and intervention must be multifactorial and directed at clinical and environmental factors. Education and promotion of physical activity and exercise emerge as the most effective interventions in reducing the risk of falls in older people. From this reflection emerge the bases for the practice and formulation of health policies in the area of patient safety, in order to minimize the risks of falls and their occurrence in aged people, in hospital environments and community contexts