Fall prevention in the elderly is a multifaceted task that encompasses both the number of risk factors and their modification methods. Fall risk factors have been identified as intrinsic, such as decreased strength, impaired balance, and number (>4) of medications taken, and extrinsic, such as poor lighting and slippery floors. As the number of risk factors increases, an individual's risk increases linearly. Interventions are being used to decrease risk factors, but the essential and adequate components are not clearly understood. Combinations of treatment interventions aimed at modifying risk factors presently are the most sufficient way of addressing fall prevention. Copyright (c) 1999 by Aspen Publishers, Inc.