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Fear of falling among the community-dwelling elderly
J Howland1, E W Peterson, W C Levin
1Boston University School of Public Health, MA 02118.
Journal of Aging and Health
|April 8, 1993
Summary
Many elderly individuals experience falls, with nearly a third falling annually. Fear of falling is prevalent and impacts social interactions, independent of fall risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Falls are a significant concern for community-dwelling elderly.
- Fear of falling (FOF) is a common issue affecting older adults' quality of life.
- Understanding fall incidence and FOF is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of falls among community-dwelling elderly.
- To assess the prevalence, intensity, and associated factors of fear of falling.
- To explore the relationship between FOF and social interaction.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 196 elderly residents (aged 58+) from housing developments was surveyed.
- Data collected included fall history, fear of falling, and self-rated health.
- Statistical analysis was used to identify covariates of fear of falling.
Main Results:
- 43% reported falls in recent years; 28% fell in the past year.
- Among those who fell in the past year, 65% sustained injuries, 44% sought medical attention, and 15% were hospitalized.
- Fear of falling was ranked higher than other common fears and was associated with self-rated health and previous falls.
Conclusions:
- Falls are common among community-dwelling elderly, often leading to injury and medical care.
- Fear of falling is a significant concern, impacting social interactions independently of fall risk.
- Interventions addressing fear of falling are needed to improve elderly well-being and social engagement.
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