scholarly journals Falls associated with indoor and outdoor environmental hazards among community-dwelling older adults between men and women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sungmin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Environmental Hazards ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls ◽  
Gender Specific ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Abstract Background Hazardous environmental exposures are recognized risk factors for falls among older adults. However, the gender differences in the associations of falls with indoor and outdoor environmental hazards are scarce. This study examined the indoor and outdoor environmental risk factors for falls and compared the data for men and women among U.S. older adults using nationally representative data. Methods We used the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) for a cross-sectional analysis of 6680 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years in the United States. A series of logistic regressions was used to identify the indoor and outdoor environmental hazards associated with falls stratified by gender after adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and behaviors. We also tested for significant interactions with gender. Results Compared to men, women had a higher prevalence of falls. In the model adjusted for sociodemographic, health, and behavioral conditions, there were gender differences in the association of falls with the presence of indoor and outdoor environmental hazards. Gender-specific analyses showed that women with the presence of indoor environmental hazards (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.04.-1.79) had higher odds of falls, whereas for men, the presence of outdoor environmental hazards (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.02–1.75) was associated with falls. We also found a significant interaction term between outdoor environmental hazards and gender (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47–0.90). The interaction plot indicated that the presence of outdoor environmental hazards increased the risks of falling in men but not in women. Conclusions Significant gender differences exist in the association of falls with indoor and outdoor environmental hazards among older men and women. Our findings suggest that gender-tailored prevention programs to increase awareness of the environmental hazards and gender-specific environmental interventions are needed to help prevent falls.

Falls Risks and Prevention Behaviors Among Community-Dwelling Homebound and Non-Homebound Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1085-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carri Casteel ◽  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
Paula Gildner ◽  
James M. Bowling ◽  
Susan J. Blalock
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Homebound Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

The objectives were to examine falls risk factors to determine how the magnitude of risk may differ between homebound and non-homebound older adults, and to describe falls prevention behaviors and participation in falls prevention education. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with convenience samples of community-dwelling older adults recruited through Meals on Wheels programs (homebound, n = 80) and senior centers (non-homebound, n = 84) in North Carolina. Data were collected during home visits and included an interview and medication inventory. Multivariate negative binomial regression with robust variance estimation modeled risk factors for falls. Risk factors for falls observed in both the homebound and non-homebound populations are consistent with what is known in the literature. However, the magnitude of the risk was higher in the homebound than in the non-homebound population with respect to vision impairments, number of high-risk and over-the-counter medications, and use of walking aids .Few participants reported participating in a falls prevention program.

scholarly journals PROXIMAL DETERMINANTS OF FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS: THE MOBILIZE BOSTON STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S469-S469
Author(s):  
Hyun Gu Kang ◽  
Jonathan Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Movement Speed ◽  
Hazardous Environments ◽  
Motor Activities ◽  
Complex Motor ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Boston Study ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Abstract Objectives: To study risk factors for falling, we examined risk factors for falls among older people according to the proximal determinants present at the time of the fall. Methods: Data came from MOBILIZE Boston, a prospective cohort study of 765 community-dwelling women and men, mainly aged 70 years or older. Over 4.3 years, 1737 falls were recorded, along with narrative reports describing proximal determinants at the time of the fall. Proximal determinants were identified from narrative reports and falls were classified into categories. Categorization was verified using three raters. Results: 14 categories of proximal determinants were identified. Of these, environmental determinants were the largest contributor to falls (74%). Participants with poor mobility and executive function were more likely to fall while performing activities of daily living, specifically while trying to stand and bending over. However, participants with poor mobility also had lower likelihood of falling to environmental hazards and dual-tasking cognition. In contrast, high-functioning older adults with naturally fast movement speed tend to fall to environmental factors while engaging in complex motor activities. Conclusions: Our results suggest there may be two populations of fallers, the healthy and the disabled, each with their own set of distinct risk factors and triggers. Cognitively functional older adults who choose to engage in vigorous activities in hazardous environments may increase their chances of falling to dual-task cognition. Community fall prevention efforts may benefit from examining the needs of specific subpopulations.

Risk factors for falls in homebound community‐dwelling older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 772-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunchuan (Lucy) Zhao ◽  
Jenny Alderden ◽  
Bonnie Lind ◽  
Jennifer Stibrany
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

scholarly journals ´Feet are second class citizens`: exploring the perceptions of Scottish and Portuguese older adults about feet, falls and exercise- a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monserrat Conde ◽  
Gordon J. Hendry ◽  
Jim Woodburn ◽  
Dawn A. Skelton
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Abstract Introduction Foot problems are likely to contribute to falls risk in older adults. Foot and ankle exercises may be beneficial, but uptake may be influenced by cultural factors. Few studies have explored the views of older adults from different cultural backgrounds about foot-specific falls risk factors, and foot and ankle falls prevention exercises. Objectives To explore the views of Scottish and Portuguese community-dwelling older adults who have experienced a fall, about any foot risk factors for falls, and foot and ankle exercises. Methods Cross-cultural qualitative study with (n = 6) focus groups exploring the perceptions of Scottish (n = 10, mean age 76 yrs) and Portuguese older adults (n = 14, mean age 66 years) aged, applying thematic analysis. Results One main theme `evolving awareness about feet and falls prevention´ and three subthemes; (i) Feet are often forgotten, (ii) the important role of footwear, (iii) need to look at my feet and do the exercises were identified. Scottish participants had more experience of falls prevention but there was a lack of knowledge surrounding foot-specific falls risk factors, and the role of ankle and foot exercise in the prevention of falls. Portuguese participants exhibited a fatalistic approach to falls. Conclusions Older adults from both nations had little knowledge of foot-specific falls risk factors, being initially unaware of the functional status of their feet and of the role of exercise in foot care and falls management. There were differences between national groups that should be accounted for when developing culturally adequate interventions.

scholarly journals Incidence of and Risk Factors for Falls Following Hip Fracture in Community-dwelling Older Adults

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (7) ◽  
pp. 648-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Shumway-Cook ◽  
Marcia A Ciol ◽  
William Gruber ◽  
Cynthia Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background and Purpose. Hip fracture is a major medical problem among older adults, leading to impaired balance and gait and loss of functional independence. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for falls 6 months following hospital discharge for a fall-related hip fracture in older adults. Subjects. Ninety of 100 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years of age) hospitalized for a fall-related hip fracture provided data for this study. Methods. An observational cohort study used interviews and medical records to obtain information on demographics, prefracture health, falls, and functional status. Self-report of falls and performance-based measures of balance and mobility were completed 6 months after discharge. Results. A total of 53.3% of patients (48/90) reported 1 or more falls in the 6 months after hospitalization. Older adults who fell following discharge had greater declines in independence in activities of daily living and lower performance on balance and mobility measures. Prefracture fall history and use of a gait device predicted postdischarge falls. Discussion and Conclusion. Falls following hip fracture can be predicted by premorbid functional status.

scholarly journals Sarcopenia: Influence of Regional Skeletal Muscle Cutoff Points and Fat-Free Mass in Older Mexican People—A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Heliodoro Alemán-Mateo ◽  
Miriam T. López-Teros ◽  
Roxana E. Ruiz-Valenzuela ◽  
Maribel Ramírez-Torres ◽  
René Urquidez-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Index ◽  
Cutoff Points ◽  
Mexican Adults ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Specific

Background. Variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia is related to the skeletal muscle index cutoff points applied. The objective of this pilot study was to examine the recruitment process for testing different sarcopenia definitions (ASMI cutoffs) in older Mexican adults. It explored whether the prevalence of sarcopenia decreased by applying ethnic- and gender-specific, DXA-derived appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI)-cutoff points in the definitions, as well as some associated factors in a sample of community-dwelling older Mexican people. Methods. This is a pilot feasibility study that included a convenience sample of 217 community-dwelling older adults. Volunteers underwent DXA measurements and an assessment of functional status based on hand grip strength and physical performance. Six definitions were formed based on the 2010 EWGSOP criteria, but using different cutoff points for each of the three components, including regional cutoff points for ASMI derived from young Mexican adults. Several risk factors for sarcopenia were also assessed. Results. The prevalence of sarcopenia varied according to the different definitions applied. The lowest level was found with the definition that applied regional ASMI-cutoff points (p<0.01). The sarcopenic older adults had significant lower body weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass (FFM) than the nonsarcopenic subjects. The risk of sarcopenia increased with age and low FFM (p<0.001). Conclusion. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of the main study, and our data support the notion that using regional ASMI cutoff points resulted in a low prevalence of sarcopenia. Therefore, it is preferable to estimate the prevalence of this condition using ethnic- and gender-specific cutoff points and to explore associated factors such as low FFM.

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