Fear of Falling among the Community-Dwelling Elderly

• Published in: Journal of aging and health 1993-05, Vol.5 (2), p.229-243
• Main Authors: Howland, Jonathan, Peterson, Elizabeth Walker, Levin, William C., Fried, Lise, Pordon, Dorothy, Bak, Sharon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - statistics & numerical data; Aged; Fear; Female; Geriatric Assessment - statistics & numerical data; Health administration; Health Services Research - statistics & numerical data; Health Surveys; Housing for the Elderly; Humans; Linear Models; Logistic Models; Male; Massachusetts - epidemiology; Multivariate Analysis; Quality of Life; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 0898-2643; 1552-6887
• DOI: 10.1177/089826439300500205

To assess the incidence of falls and the prevalence, intensity, and covariates of fear of falling among community-dwelling elderly, the authors surveyed a random sample of 196 residents (≥ 58 years of age) of housing developments for the elderly in Brookline and Plymouth, Massachusetts. Forty-three percent reported having fallen in recent years, 28% in the last year. Of those who had fallen within the year prior to the interview, 65% reported injury, 44% sought medical attention, and 15% required hospitalization as a consequence of their fall(s). Fear of falling ranked first when compared to other common fears (i.e., fear of robbery, financial fears). Self-rated health status and experience of previous falls were significantly associated with fear of falling. Further analysis suggests that fear of falling may affect social interaction, independent of risks for falling.