Falls have always been a major health issue for older people, but over the past few years
there has been an explosion of interest in their prevention. We are now at the challenging stage
of incorporating best evidence into routine clinical practice. This has been recognized by the
UK government in its National Service Framework for Older People in England, which has set
targets to reduce the number of falls that result in serious injury, and to ensure effective
treatment and rehabilitation for those who have fallen.