PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE PREVENTION OF FALLS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE - LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The statute of the elderly considers elderly to be anyone aged 60 or over, a phase in which the incidence of falls increases. Falls are considered an accidental multifactorial phenomenon, which may be due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. The objective of this study highlights the importance of the physiotherapist in preventing falls in the elderly, whether in a home or hospital environment, through their performance and applied knowledge. This article is a qualitative, descriptive bibliographic review that seeks to integrate updated information based on publications from the following databases: Virtual Health Library (BVS), Google Scholar and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). 24 publications were used for its preparation. The increase in the number of elderly people is still a challenge for health professionals, family members, society and the elderly themselves, since there is a higher incidence of risk of falls, and the qualified physiotherapist develops exercises for the prevention and treatment of falls. It is concluded that falls in the elderly are a public health problem, that their costs generate an economic impact and impact on the quality of life of the elderly, so the work of the physiotherapist in the prevention or rehabilitation of this public is of utmost importance.