A multidimensional analysis of fall risk among older adults in India: evidence from the longitudinal ageing study in...

Falls are a major public health concern among older adults in India. While earlier studies using LASI data have identified some risk factors, they did not account for key geriatric syndromes, physical performance, and functional status. This study aims to comprehensively examine the determinants of falls among older adults using nationally representative LASI Wave 1 data.

We analysed data from 26,780 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 60 years from LASI Wave 1. Falls were self-reported. Covariates included socio-demographics, comorbidities, ADL/IADL, cognition, depressive symptoms, grip strength, gait speed, physical activity, and sensory impairments. Associations were assessed using univariate and stepwise multivariable logistic regression.

Among 28,285 community-dwelling older adults from the LASI dataset, the median age of the participants was 67 years (interquartile range: 63-73), 51% of the individuals were male and 49% female. 11.56% individuals reported a history of falls, with a higher prevalence among women (56.97%) and increasing age groups. In multivariate analysis, female sex, underweight BMI, tobacco and alcohol use, chronic joint disease, high cholesterol, prior injury or fracture, sensory impairments, ADL limitations, depression, and physical performance deficits were independently associated with increased fall risk. Functional limitations, such as difficulty climbing stairs and pushing/pulling objects, were also significant predictors. Conversely, urban residence and heart disease were associated with a lower risk.

Falls in older Indian adults are linked to a complex interplay of sociodemographic, clinical, and functional factors. These findings highlight the need for integrated, targeted fall prevention strategies addressing modifiable risk factors within this population.