Characteristics Associated With Fear of Falling and Activity Restriction in South Korean Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics associated with fear-induced activity restriction and determine those that distinguish older adults with fear-induced activity restriction from those with fear of falling alone.

Data taken from the survey of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging in 2010 were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with fear of falling and fear-induced activity restriction.

A total of 22.5% of the participants reported no fear of falling, 48.6% reported fear of falling alone, and 28.9% reported fear-induced activity restriction. Characteristics independently associated with fear-induced activity restriction were low socioeconomic status, cognitive impairment, difficulty with activities of daily living, and a history of injurious falls.

The differences between older adults with fear-induced activity restriction and those with fear of falling alone may guide refinement of intervention and preventive programs.