A Review of Falls Among Older Adults in Saudi Arabia: Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Prevention Strategies

Falls among older adults in Saudi Arabia pose a significant and growing public health concern, with studies reporting prevalence rates exceeding 47%. These events contribute to physical injuries and psychological distress, longer hospital stays, and rising healthcare costs. This narrative review synthesizes recent findings on the prevalence, underlying risk factors, outcomes, and strategies aimed at preventing falls in this population. Key contributors to fall risk in Saudi Arabia were found to include both intrinsic factors, such as chronic health conditions, limited mobility, obesity, vision problems, mental health issues, and polypharmacy, and extrinsic factors like environmental hazards and inadequate safety measures. Despite growing awareness and various preventive efforts, initiatives such as environmental modifications, the use of assistive devices, and closer hospital monitoring, falls remain common across both community and healthcare settings. The literature points to several effective interventions, including personalized risk assessments, home and facility modifications, medication management, structured exercise programs, and better training for caregivers and medical staff. However, a noticeable gap remains between what is known and what is actually implemented. This underscores the urgent need for stronger implementation of fall prevention strategies. Moving forward, a coordinated, multimodal approach tailored to Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is essential to reduce fall-related incidents and improve the well-being of older adults.