Comprehensive approach to fall prevention on a national level: New Zealand.

Individual assessment and treatment are important for older people at high risk of falls and injury. But falls are common. The problem cannot be addressed solely on an individual patient, individual clinician basis. Fall prevention programs that have broad coverage, good uptake and adherence, and can be seen to maintain independent living benefit individuals and help control health service costs. Two such programs have been successfully introduced in New Zealand: the home-based Otago Exercise Programme and tai chi classes. The difficulty now is in maintaining the nationwide commitment to these preventive measures.