Abstract
1. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a fall prevention program since December 1997, that consists of guidance in exercise and life style for community-dwelling older people. In this study we measured the effects of exercise and life style guidance on fall prevention and assessed the usefulness of the program based on fundamental data from health surveillance of community-dwelling older people. 2. Mobility parameters were evaluated by 10-m rapid walking time, maximal step length, 40-cm steps (Kenkyakudo ®), tandem gait, and single leg stance for the balance test. 3. The fall prevention program requires individual instruction and careful education on exercise and activities of daily living. It also needs to provide advice on choice and use of walking sticks and evaluation of the living environments of elderly people.
