Protective and risk factors for physical activity and falls among oldest-old adults enrolled in an evidence-based fall risk reduction program

Background. As approximately half of the oldest-old population experience functional limitations, they are more likely to encounter declining health status and independence resulting in high healthcare utilization and related costs. Although community-based fall risk reduction programs for older adults have been implemented and disseminated, little is known about factors related to their effectiveness among the oldest-old. This study examines protective and risk factors associated with weekly physical activity and number of falls among oldest-old participants enrolled in A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader model (AMOB/VLL).

Methods. This study included 260 participants aged 85 years and older enrolled in the Texas AMOB/VLL. Poisson mixed regression models were employed to assess potential protective (falls efficacy and self-rated health) and risk (pain, fatigue, and health interference) factors for weekly physical activity and number of falls from baseline to post-intervention after controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, age, and number of chronic conditions.

Results. Weekly physical activity and number of falls improved significantly from baseline to post-intervention (Β= .14, p < 0.05, Β= -.35, p < 0.05, respectively). Falls efficacy scores and self-rate health (as protectors) as well as fatigue and health interference scores (as risk factors) at baseline were significantly related to weekly physical activity and number of falls among oldest-old participants.

Conclusion. Findings indicate program elements of AMOB/VLL are effective to improve physical activity and reduce falls among the oldest-old population. However, this program may be complemented by additional components to improve health status and physical ailments in attempt to maximize benefits among participants.