Older People Living Alone: A Predictive Model of Fall Risk

Abstract

Falls in older people are a result of a combination of multiple risk factors. There are few studies involving predictive models in a community context. The aim of this study was to determine the validation of a new model for predicting fall risk in older adults (65+) living alone in community dwellings (n = 186; n = 117) with a test–retest reliability study. We consider in the predictive model the significant factors emerged from the bivariate analysis: age, zone, social community resources, physical exercise, self-perception of health, difficulty to keep standing, difficulty to sit and get up from a chair, strain to see, use of technical devices, hypertension and number of medications. The final model explained 28.5% of the risk of falling in older adults living alone in community dwellings. The AUC = 0.660 (se = 0.065, IC 95% 0.533–0.787, p = 0.017). The predictive model developed revealed a satisfactory discriminatory performance of the model and can contribute to clinical practice, with respect to the evaluation of risk of falling in this frailty group and preventing falls.

The association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Another outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic was the risk of falling and fear of falling, a phenomenon linked to prolonged stays at home among older people, increasing fear of movement, low physical activity, and risk of falling [43]. This relationship between prolonged home con nement and diminished physical well-being underscores a concerning trend with profound implications for the overall health and safety of older individuals.…”

Nutritional Risk, Depression, and Physical Function in Older People Living Alone

“…Older adults living alone are vulnerable to economic conditions and poor physical, mental, and social health. Moreover, they tend to have lower levels of education and economic status than those living with their spouse or children [3]. The prevalence of chronic diseases, multiple chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, and cognitive decline is relatively high, as is the rate of unmet medical care needs, raising concern about worsening physical and mental health problems in older adults living alone [4].…”