An expanded framework to determine physical activity and falls risks among diverse older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Falls pose a significant health risk for older adults, leading to injuries, disability, and mortality.
• Limited motivation contributes to physical inactivity in this demographic, despite the known benefits of exercise for fall prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a motivational framework linking the Theory of Planned Behavior constructs to fall risks in older adults.
• To examine the mediating roles of stages of change (SOC) and physical activity (PA) within this framework.

Main Methods:

• Path analysis was employed to test the hypothesized motivational framework.
• 172 diverse older adults (mean age = 72.36) were assessed using standardized scales for Theory of Planned Behavior constructs, SOC, PA, and fall risks.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework demonstrated a good fit with the sample data.
• Stages of change (SOC) and perceived control significantly predicted physical activity (PA) (path coefficients .48 and .43, respectively).
• Physical activity (PA) was inversely associated with fall risks (path coefficient -.54), explaining 29% of the variance. SOC, PA, and fall risks variance explained were 28%, 59%, and 29% respectively.

Conclusions:

• The study validates a motivational framework for promoting physical activity (PA) and reducing fall risks in older adults.
• Health promoters can utilize this model, focusing on stages of change and perceived control, to encourage PA and mitigate fall-related dangers.