What factor is most commonly used to identify high-risk individuals for falls?

A previous history of falls is the most significant factor in identifying high-risk individuals for subsequent falls. This is because past falls are a strong predictor of future falls; individuals who have fallen in the past are more likely to experience additional falls due to various factors such as impaired balance, weakness, or environmental hazards. Recognizing this history allows healthcare providers to implement targeted interventions and preventive strategies for those individuals, thereby potentially reducing the risk of future falls.

While age over 65 is indeed a risk factor for falls, it is considered a broad demographic marker rather than a specific indicator of an individual's risk. Similarly, obesity and chronic diseases may contribute to the risk of falls in some cases, but they do not have as direct a correlation as a documented history of falls. Effective fall prevention strategies focus on assessing individual risk factors, and a previous fall serves as the most actionable and telling indicator for clinicians.