Fear of falling is a top issue for older adults with a history of falling: multidimensional perspective

Fear of falling is a frequently encountered psychological phenomenon, especially in older adults with a history of falling. Many psychological, physical, and social factors affect the fear of falling. The aim of this research is to examine the physical, psychological and social factors that affect the fear of falling in older adults.

One hundred and fifty-two older adults with a history of falling in the last year were included in this cross-sectional study. In addition to variables such as age, educational status, use of mobility aids, fall frequency and comorbidity in individuals, physical, psychological and social variables were examined. Fear of falling was assessed with the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale.

The Modified Fall Efficacy Scale's score was significantly predicted by gait speed (P < 0.001), muscle strength (P = 0.006), balance (P < 0.001), physical activity (P = 0.032), pain (P = 0.004), depression (P = 0.007), and community integration (P < 0.001). Physical, psychological and social variables explain 78% of the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale's score in older adults with a history of falling in the last 1 year.

Increased pain and depressive mood, in addition to decreased walking speed, lower extremity muscle strength, balance, physical activity and social participation, have negative impacts on the fear of falling in older adults. Especially, older adults with a history of falling should be evaluated physically, psychologically and socially and the factors affecting their fear of falling should be determined. In this way, suitable rehabilitation protocols for older adults will be developed.