Recurrent Falls over Three Years among Older Adults Age 70+: Associations with Physical and Mental Health Status, Exercise, and Hospital Stay

Abstract

We used the 2019–2021 U.S. National Health and Aging Trend Study ( N = 3,063, age 70+) and multinomial logistic regression and generalized linear models with Poisson and log link to identify correlates of (1) recurrent falls (2 + falls) over 3 years (2019–2021); and (2) any subsequent fall among those who had a fall in 2019. We also examined the associations between falls and hospitalization in 2021. Results show that those with recurrent falls had greater physical/functional and psychological health problems in 2019, while single fallers over the 3 years were not significantly different from those without a fall. Exercise was associated with a lower likelihood of a subsequent fall among those who fell in 2019. Both a single fall and recurrent falls over the 3 years were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization in 2021. Multifactorial fall preventions including exercise and depression/anxiety treatment are needed to mitigate recurrent fall risks.

Mediation of the Association Between Physical Exercise and Depressive/Anxiety Symptoms by Pain and Sleep Problems Among Older Adults

“…Older adults prefer non-opioid analgesics and nonpharmacological interventions such as prayer/meditation, and exercise for pain treatment ( Robinson-Lane & Vallerand, 2018 ). In addition to pain and depression/anxiety, PE’s positive effect on a wide range of health problems, functional improvement, fall and fall injury prevention, and dementia prevention ( Choi et al, 2023 ; De la Rosa et al, 2020 ; Huang et al, 2022 ; Izquierdo et al, 2021 ; Rikkonen et al, 2023 ) need to be disseminated. Our findings show that walking appears to as good as vigorous activity and walking-based PE should be an important strategy for promoting healthy aging.…”

Metro–Nonmetro Differences in Adverse Events in Residential Care Communities: Results From the National Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Study

“…Adverse events like falls, medication errors, preventable health care–related infections, and pressure ulcers can be common in long-term care settings and may require emergency care or hospitalizations (Andersson et al, 2018; Choi et al, 2023; Levinson 2014). For this study, three measures of adverse events were selected: the number of residents that had 1) an emergency department visit; 2) an overnight hospital stay; or 3) a fall in the 90 days prior to the interview.…”

The Effects of Exercising on Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults

“…fear of falling) may contribute to falls [23]. Older adults with recurrent falls have greater physical and psychological health issues [24]. Exercising is an effective component of a fall prevention strategy [25].…”