Mindfulness, Depression, and Fall Risk in Low-Income Older Adults

Mindfulness, through mind-body practices, promotes awareness and presence. Its practice, along with reduced depression, may improve balance and lower fall risk in older adults. This study examined the association between mindfulness, depression, and fall risk among low-income, community-dwelling older adults.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 community-dwelling, low-income older adults, including 16 males and 87 females, with a mean age = 75.70 years (95% CI ± 7.19). Mindfulness was assessed with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and fall risk with the CDC's checklist for elderly accidents and injuries. Multiple regression analysis was conducted.

Mindfulness was negatively correlated with fall risk (r=-.437, p<.001), while depression was positively correlated with fall risk (r=.486, p<.001). These variables explained 31.1% of the variance in fall risk (R ² = .311, p < .001). Mindfulness (β = -.262, p =.006) and depression (β = .306, p =.001), respectively, were significantly associated with fall risk.

This study demonstrates that mindfulness and depression are predictors of fall risk. Community-dwelling low-income older adults may benefit from mind-body exercises. These exercises can help them become more aware and enhance their mental health, which may lower their risk of falling.