As populations age throughout the developing world, the impacts of falls remain a huge problem for social and health systems (Oliver, 2009). According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), in 2006, nearly 500 million people worldwide were aged 65 or older. This number is expected to reach 1 billion by 2030, with a faster increase in developing countries. Given that older adults are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, the problem will only grow. It is estimated that 25 to 39% of adults aged 65 or older fall each year (Keskin et al., 2008). Falls were a leading cause of injuries, hospitalizations and deaths among older adults. Additionally, people who have suffered a fall in the past year will be more prone to recurrent falls. Recurrent falls have an impact on autonomy, quality of life and the ability to take care of oneself. It also increases the amount of healthcare spending dedicated to treating fall-related injuries. As with any illness, preventing falls is the best treatment. This literature review focuses primarily on community-dwelling adults, but also includes information on long-term care and inpatient categories of inpatients. Fall Risk Assessment Tools The timed GUG test measures the mobility of people who are able to walk independently with or without assistive devices. The person is asked to sit on the chair with their arms on the armrests. On command, the test subject stands up from the chair, walks 10 feet, turns around, and sits in the chair. Test administered 3 times and the result is the average time. Person considered freely mobile if the test was completed in less than 10 seconds, mostly independent with test results < 20 seconds and with reduced mobility for more than 20 seconds (Podsiadlo and Richardson, 1991).... ... middle of paper.... ...institute on aging. (2005, February). Tai Chi for seniors reduces falls and can help maintain strength. Journal of Gerontology and Biomedical Sciences. 60 (2), 187-194.Oliver, D. Older people who fall: why they matter and what you can do. British Journal of Community Nursing. 12(11), 500-507. Podsiadlo, D., Richardson, S. (1991). The “Up and Go” timed test: a basic functional mobility test for frail elderly people. Journal of the American Geriatric Society. 39, 142-148 Tzeng, HM, Yin, CY (August 2009). Falls in hospitalized patients: the impact of family and personal caregivers. Applied nursing research. 22(3). Retrieved from http://www.nursingconsult.com/das/article/body/202545845-2/jorg=journal&source-Wood-Dauphinee, S., Berg, K., Bravo, G., Williams, J. (1997). The balance scale: responding to clinically significant changes. Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation. 10, 35-50