Falls prevention in older People: Australian Falls Prevention 2nd Biennial Conference

This second biennial conference has again attracted strong interest from researchers and health workers dedicated to improving the health care of older people. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalisation in persons aged 65 years and over and falls injury prevention has been identified as a Commonwealth and State health priority area. Reducing falls injury is a priority because, with the ageing of Australia's population, falls injuries and associated costs are expected to more than double between 2001 and 2051 unless effective falls prevention strategies can be identified and implemented. As many findings from the conference presentations have the potential for immediate application, there is real potential for this conference to facilitate effective changes in practice, with resultant heath care cost savings across Australia. While the present conference follows on from the inaugural conference in Sydney in 2004, it has built on and complemented National and State-based Falls Prevention Meetings and Forums. It is also a direct outcome of the highly successful collaborations resulting from the National Health and Medical Research Council Injury Prevention Partnership, Prevention of Older People’s Injuries. With the support of so many delegates, sponsors and industries, the Australian Falls Prevention Conference will continue as a regular feature on the conference calendar. The conference is also recognised as part of international efforts to prevent falls in at-risk groups. Many participants are connected to their professional bodies in other countries and participate in international forums that focus on falls in older people. There is a strong linkage with The Prevention of Falls Network Europe, which co-ordinates research across Europe into the prevention of falling amongst older people. These international connections are further evident in the delegates who are attending this conference, not only from all the Australian States and Territories, but also from the United Kingdom, Canada, China, New Zealand, Finland, Belgium, Germany, Japan and Singapore. Many national and international sponsors and exhibitors have also generously supported the conference. Delegates from a broad range of professional disciplines are attending the conference. This provides excellent opportunities for researchers, exercise physiologists, medical practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, optometrists, health promotion workers and aged care providers to meet, learn from each other and exchange ideas. The conference addresses the important current issues in falls and falls injury in older people. The topics include: understanding balance and the mechanisms of falls; falls epidemiology; falls risk assessment; risk factors for falls in older people and clinical groups; preventing falls in older people, hospital inpatients, aged care resident facility residents and at-risk groups; optimal exercise programs for preventing falls; the role of assistive devices including hip protectors; maximising compliance in falls interventions; falls prevention initiatives in health promotion and falls policy development. The conference includes keynote speakers from Australia and overseas, free papers, poster sessions, workshops, trade exhibitions and a lively group discussion to round off the conference. I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the second biennial Australian Falls Prevention conference. I hope that you are stimulated by your time at the conference and enjoy the social events and your time in Brisbane. Graham Kerr Convenor, Australian Falls Prevention 2nd Biennial Conference

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