Behavioral Factors Contributing to Older Adults Falling in Public Places

Abstract

Activity recall, in-depth interviews, and reenactment of the fall were used to elucidate the behavior patterns, actions, and habits that contribute to older adults falling in public places. The aim was to improve older adults' capacity to understand behavioral risks associated with falls and develop safe adaptive strategies so they can play an active role in minimizing falls and maintaining meaningful activity. Ten major themes were identified: not attending to the route ahead, lack of familiarity, pace, mobility behaviors, environmental influences, eyesight behaviors, health factors affecting physical abilities, lack of confidence, overexertion, and unnoticed environmental hazards. The findings add to knowledge about the extent and nature of behavioral factors that contribute to falls in public places and provide guidelines for some specific areas of focus for falls prevention. A recommendation is that fall prevention interventions with older adults employ strategies that actively engage them in critical reflective thinking.