OLDER ADULT FALLS AND LIMITATIONS IN ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
2024

Older Adult Falls and Limitations in Daily Activities

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Haddad Yara, Rice Ketra, Chen Jufu, Kakara Ramakrishna

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hypothesis

The study aimed to estimate the odds of developing limitations in activities of daily living after a fall among older adults.

Conclusion

Older adults who fall are twice as likely to develop limitations in daily activities the following year, but engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce this risk.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults reporting a fall had twice the odds of developing limitations in ADLs or IADLs the following year.
  • Adjusted odds ratios for developing limitations were higher for adults aged 75+ compared to those aged 65-74.
  • Engaging in moderate or vigorous activity for ≥ 2 hours per week was associated with lower odds of developing limitations.

Takeaway

If older people fall, they might have a harder time doing everyday things, but staying active can help them stay independent.

Methodology

The study used logistic regression to analyze Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data from 2015-2020.

Participant Demographics

Older adults aged 65 and above.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

CI:1.70-2.39 for ADLs; CI:1.72-2.34 for IADLs

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0230

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