Could a Chronobiological Approach have a Role in Falls Prevention

The sentence “inadvertently coming to rest on the ground, floor or other lower level, excluding intentional change in position to rest in furniture, wall or other objects” defines accidental falls [1]. US data reported that direct medical costs of falls were $30 billion [2]. The longevity of people is actually an achievement for modern civilization, although it is also an important challenge for public authorities, policy makers, healthcare, providers and payers [3]. Age could be considered a risk factor for different diseases and their complications, and falls are considered a Geriatric Syndrome [4], posing major medical, social and economic burdens both for the victim and his/her family [5,6]. According to the World Health Organization (2007), the risk of falling and fall-related injuries increases exponentially with advancing age.