Falls, Older Adults, and the Impact of the Neighborhood Environment

Almost half of falls occur outdoors; yet, the emphasis in fall prevention has been on intrinsic factors and the indoor environment. In this article we argue that the neighborhood environment and its impact on falls warrants further attention. Occupational therapy is best suited to address these issues in collaboration with urban planners and public health professionals. Both practice and policy changes are suggested to meet the health and wellness needs of community-dwelling older adults going forward.