A survey about social networks, fear of falling and other characteristics was conducted in a sample of 347 community-dwelling, low-income elderly residents (age range 64 - 100) of public housing developments in three neighborhoods of Boston, Massachusetts. Thirty seven percent of the participants were Caucasians, 36% African American, 14% African Caribbean, 8% Hispanic and 5% others. Twenty five percent reported being somewhat or very afraid of falling in the next year. A summary measure of social networks was constructed encompassing whether elderly reported living with a spouse or partner, having children, close relatives, and a special person they trusted (confidant). Older seniors, females, those who reported multiple falls in the past year, reported using a walking aid, had less education and fewer social networks were significantly more likely to report fear of falling. Race, and walking outside for more than ten minutes were not significantly associated with fear of falling. Based on a multivariate logistic regression model, elderly in the lowest category of social networks were 2 times more likely to report fear of falling (95% CI 1.05 - 3.88) compared to those in the highest category. This study is one of the firsts to report fear of falling in a multiracial elderly population. Social networks, education, female gender, history of multiple falls, and use of a walking aid independently predicted fear of falling in this elderly community-based sample. These findings suggest that socially isolated elderly may be at greater risk of developing fear of falling.
Learning Objectives: Identify at least six individual characteristics that are associated with fear of falling in the elderly. Recognize size of social networks that predicts fear of falling in community-dwelling edlerly. Be able to evaluate risk of fear of falling and prioritize screening in the edlery
Keywords: Elderly, Social Inequalities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.