Vol 43 No. 2
Full Text:
Author(s):

Xu Bang Yu

Published in:

The Singapore Family Physician Vol 43 No 2 - Updates in Rheumatology

Publication date:

1 April 2017

ISSN:

0377-5305

Abstract

Falls in an elderly require a comprehensive bio-psycho-social approach to evaluate for the root causes. These may be multi-factorial, and we need to deal with most of them, if not all, in order to effectively reduce the risk for falls. Frailty is a marker of poor functional outcomes. Sarcopenia is a major modifiable risk factor for frailty. There are various community programmes providing a comprehensive range of services to keep the elderly physically, mentally, and socially active. Communication with primary care physicians is important to ensure smooth transition back into the community, optimal management of chronic diseases and minimal re-admission.