Psychological Factors Associated with Fear of Falling and Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior in Older Adults: Results from a National Sample.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify psychological factors and characteristics associated with fear of falling (FOF) and fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) among older adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (Wave 9, n = 4,977).

RESULTS

We found that increased fall history, more frequent depression and anxiety, and poorer perceived overall health were significantly higher among older adults with FFAB compared to FOF (ps < .001). Perceived overall health, depression, and anxiety explained a significant amount of variance in FOF and FFAB. Lastly, demographic characteristics differ between older adults reporting no FOF/FFAB, FOF, and FFAB.

CONCLUSIONS

FOF and FFAB are prevalent among older adults. Older adults experiencing FFAB had poorer health perceptions, more falls, and more frequent depression and anxiety than those experiencing FOF. The association of psychological factors and demographic characteristics with FOF and FFAB may indicate potential treatment targets.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Addressing psychological variables, such as health perception, anxiety, and depression among older adults, may mitigate the impact of FOF and the development of FFAB; however, further research is needed.