The interaction of biological factors with
behavioural and environmental risks
increases the risk of falling. For example,
the loss of muscle strength leads to a loss
of function and to a higher level of frailty,
which intensifies the risk of falling due to
some environmental hazards (see Chapter 3
for further information).
b) Behavioural risk factors
Behavioural risk factors include those
concerning human actions, emotions or
daily choices. They are potentially modifiable.
For example, risky behaviour such as
the intake of multiple medications, excess
alcohol use, and sedentary behaviour can
be modified through strategic interventions
for behavioural change (see Chapter 3 and 4
for further information).
c) Environmental risk factors
Environmental factors encapsulate the
interplay of individuals' physical conditions
and the surrounding environment, including
home hazards and hazardous features
in public environment. These factors are
not by themselves cause of falls – rather,
the interaction between other factors and
their exposure to environmental ones.
Home hazards include narrow steps, slippery
surfaces of stairs, looser rugs and
insufficient lighting (29). Poor building
design, slippery floor, cracked or uneven
sidewalks, and poor lightening in public
places are such hazards to injurious falls
(see Chapter 3 for further information).