Broadening our understanding: approaching falls as a stigmatizing topic for older adults

This theoretical paper aims to demonstrate that our current understanding of falls in older adulthood can be improved by viewing falls as a stigmatizing topic. Existing empirical research alludes to the stigmatization of falls for older adults, but until now the explicit link between the study of falls and stigma has not been made. After applying the concepts of identity threat, modified labeling theory, and attribution theory, the research implications of stigma on an older adult's willingness to report and discuss falls will be outlined. As many research investigations use the number of prior falls to assign individuals to study groups, the influence of stigma may be widespread and confounding research findings. By better recognizing and understanding the contribution of stigma to the willingness of older adults to report and discuss falls, we will be better able to mitigate its effects.