Health studies address fall risks and medication safety in older adults

New research highlights different approaches and risks regarding falls and medication safety in older populations.

A trial published in JAMA Network Open involving over 11,000 adults aged 65 and older found that primary care clinics could modestly reduce fall rates by prescribing home strength and balance exercises. Using the eSTEPS trial method, clinicians utilized electronic health record alerts to prescribe simplified exercises. This approach resulted in a 9% lower fall rate—19.3 falls per 100 patient-years compared to 21.2 in usual care groups.

Separately, researchers from Adelaide University warned that millions of older Australians may be at risk from overlapping medication side effects. An analysis of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme records suggests approximately 2.3 million older Australians are dispensed combinations of medicines associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures. Additionally, over 1.2 million individuals are receiving combinations linked to kidney-related complications, and an estimated 1.7 million face risks of constipation due to multiple prescriptions.