The bidirectional relationship between homebound status and falls among older adults: a longitudinal study

Previous research has shown an association between homebound status and falls among older adults. However, this association was primarily drawn from cross-sectional studies. This study aimed to determine the bidirectional relationship between homebound status and falls among older adults in the community.

We used data of the community-dwelling older adults from 2011 to 2015 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative survey of Medicare Beneficiaries in the United States (Sample 1 [No falls at baseline]: N = 2,512; Sample 2 [Non-homebound at baseline]: N = 2,916). Homebound status was determined by the frequency, difficulty, and needing help for outdoor mobility. Falls were ascertained by asking participants whether they had a fall in the last year. Generalized estimation equation models were used to examine the bidirectional association between homebound status and falls longitudinally.

Participants with no falls at baseline (n = 2,512) were on average, 76.8 years old, non-Hispanic whites (70.1%), and female (57.1%). After adjusting for demographics and health-related variables, prior year homebound status significantly contributed to falls in the following year (Odds ratio [OR], 1.28, 95% CI: 1.09-1.51). Participants who were non-homebound at baseline (n = 2,916) were on average, 75.7 years old, non-Hispanic white (74.8%), and female (55.8%). Previous falls significantly predicted later homebound status (OR, 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10-1.45) in the full adjusted model.

This is the first longitudinal study to determine the bidirectional association between homebound status and falls. Homebound status and falls form a vicious circle and mutually reinforce each other over time. Our findings suggest the importance of developing programs and community activities that reduce falls and improve homebound status among older adults.