Physical Activity and Nursing Care in Reducing the Risk of Falls in Elderly Individuals: Current Approaches

Aim: The study was conducted to examine the risk of falling, which is frequently encountered in the aging process, the importance of physical activity against this risk, and the nursing approach. Material and Method: The study data were collected by conducting a literature review on Turkish and English articles accessed from electronic databases Medline/PubMed, Turkish Medline, Academic Google, and internet search engines with keywords including “elderly/elderly individual”, “virtual reality and nursing”, “nursing approach”, “fall risk”, “physical activity”. Results: Worldwide, 30% of individuals over the age of 65 experience falls each year, and this rate increases to 50% in individuals over the age of 80. Falls cause injuries, functional losses, hospitalizations, and long-term care needs in elderly individuals. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing the risk of falls. Regular exercise reduces the risk of falls by increasing muscle strength and balance. In addition, virtual reality-based balance games and interactive technologies are innovative methods that encourage elderly individuals to participate in physical activity. Nurses should encourage physical activity, create safe environments. Conclusion: The active roles of nurses in this process are critical to protecting the health of elderly individuals and improving their quality of life.