________________________ Nilakshi Yein IIT Guwahati, y.nilakshi@iitg.ernet.in Dr. Swati Pal IIT Guwahati, swatipal@iitg.ernet.in 1 A Review on Preventive Interventions for El- derly Fall Problems related to Balance Nilaskhi Yein*, Swati Pal** Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India; *y.nilakshi@iitg.ernet.in,**swatipal@iitg.ernet.in Abstract: Fall can reduce older adults’ ability to live an independent, safe, and healthy life. Falls may become fatal if it remains unnoticed in time. Fall risk fac- tors are mainly classified as ‘intrinsic’ and ‘extrinsic’. Among ‘intrinsic’ risk fa- tors it is found that muscle weakness and problems with gait and balance in elder- ly population are the major risk factors for fall. Increasing physical activity is considered as an effective component of fall prevention programs. It can improve strength, balance, and coordination can reduce the risk for falls. So this study at- tempts to give a systematic review on fall risk factors and interventions related to muscle strengthening. It includes group sessions trained-balance and strength- exercise training and exercise programs like yoga, tai- chi for the elderly people. Such individual management, balance strength exercises are cost effective, and these will improve social participation, which eventually may reduce isolation and loneliness in elderly. But these interventions need long term practice for better re- sults so awareness among elderly and their family members is needed. 1 Introduction Fall is one of the most common geriatric syndromes threatening the independence of elderly population and a serious public health problem which has an extensive impact on family, society, and health and healthcare costs [25]. Globally, uninten- tional fall is one of the most costly and complex health issues faced by the aging population [23]. It is considered as the leading cause of injury, deaths and disabili- ties among aging population (above 65 years) [24]. 20% of elderly loses their mo- bility due to fall and 30% of them lose independence [9]. Interventions to reduce fall problems become an essential issue to consider with population ageing which is an emerging demographic trend of the twenty-first century. Various preventive intervention programmes based on reported fall risk factors have been established. The problems can be avoided by either taking precautions, being aware of safety behaviour, keeping strong the lower body muscle specially with the help of physi- cal activities, exercise etc. and modifying architecture; with the help of technol- ogy assistance so that elderly can get immediate attention if they fall. For perform-