Fear of Falling, ADL and Physical Functioning among Senior Citizens

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to explore the relationships between the fear of falling and daily activities, and physical functioning of older people in community.

Method: A descriptive study design was used in this study. 295 people aged over 65 and living in community participated. Data of demographic characteristics, fear of falling, activity daily living, physical functioning were collected.

Result: 13.2% of the participants reported that they have falling accident last one year. 75.6% of participants reported fear of falling. 67.7% of them expressed restricting activity because of fear of falling. There were no significant relationship between fear of falling and BADL(Basic Activity Daily Living) but fear of falling and IADL(Instrumental Activity Daily Living) were related. It was also found that older people with higher fear of falling expressed more pain and uncomfortable feelings especially on their lower body and had higher scores of morbidity of neurologic diseases such as neuralgiand cerebrovascular diseases.

Conclusion: There were significant relationships between fear of falling and IADL, and physical functioning on lower body, and morbidity of neurologic diseases such as neuralgia and cerebrovascular diseases.