Healthy ageing: Preventing falls and promoting active living in older people across Europe

Introduction: Falls prevention remains a key public health priority across Europe as they are a major cause of illness and disability [1] and a threat to the independence and quality of life of older people [2]. Furthermore, falling and the fear of falling have been associated with elevated levels of psychological distress; restriction of activity and independence; increased social isolation and the use of health and social services [3]. 30-40% community dwellers aged >65 years fall each year and rates are higher above 75 years of age [4]. Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials show that risk of falling can be reduced by prevention programmes, especially exercise based or multi-factorial interventions [5,6]. However, refusal rates to take up interventions are very high and adherence low. The uptake of intervention in the community has been reported at