As populations across developing countries age, the impact of falls remains a huge problem for social and healthcare systems (Oliver, 2009). According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), in 2006 nearly 500 million people worldwide were age 65 or older. This figure is expected to reach 1 billion by 2030, with faster increases in developing countries. Because older adults represent the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, the issue will become increasingly important. It is estimated that between 25% and 39% of adults aged 65 years and older fall each year (Keskin et al., 2008). Falls are a leading cause of injuries, hospital admissions and death among older adults. Additionally, people who have experienced a fall in the past year will be more prone to recurring falls. Recurrent falls affect independence, quality of life, and the ability to take care of oneself. It also increases the amount of health care dollars spent treating fall-related injuries. As with any disease, prevention of falls is the best treatment. This literature review focuses primarily on community-dwelling adults, but also includes information on long-term care and hospitalized patient categories. Fall Risk Assessment Tools The timed GUG test measures mobility in people who are able to walk independently with or without assistive devices. The person is asked to sit in the chair with their arms on the armrests. On command the test subject gets 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 is performed in less than 10 seconds, mostly independent with test results < 20 seconds and reduced mobility for anything > 20 seconds (Podsiadlo & Richardson, 1991).......half of the document .... ..ageing institute. (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: basic functional mobility test for frail elderly people. Journal of the American Geriatric Society. 39, 142-148Tzeng, H.M., Yin, C.Y. (2009, August). Hospitalized Falls: 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&sourceWood-Dauphinee, S., Berg, K., Bravo, G., Williams, J. (1997). The balance scale: responding to clinically significant changes. Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation. 10, 35-50