Factors contributing to falls in elderly men living in the community.

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to falls in elder men and the differences between those who fall and those who do not. A convenience sample (n = 71) of men age 65-87 was interviewed, and their activity levels, mental status, mobility status, and weight were evaluated. Most men (73%) had fair to good mental status, minimal (35%) to moderate (56%) activity levels, and average (30%) or high (49%) weight. Fifty-two percent reported falling in the past 2 years: 43% of these men fell once, 19% fell two or three times, and 38% fell four or more times. Only two variables were significant (P <.05) between men who fell and those who did not: Low weight and slow gait time. Poor balance approached significance at P =.0512. In ambulatory elderly men, those who were underweight with slow gait time and poor balance were most at risk for falling.