Falls and fear of falling among community-dwelling seniors: the dynamic tension between exercising precaution and striving for independence.
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the everyday experience of community-dwelling elders, with particular attention to seniors' perceptions of safety, fear of falling, independence, and quality of life. We also aimed to identify contextual factors that influence the health of elders who had fallen and/or had a fear of falling. Data from in-depth interviews with a purposeful sample (n = 9) of elders were analysed using interpretative analysis procedures. Both individual and team analysis was undertaken until interpretations of the experiences of the participants were inductively developed and crystallized into a holistic interpretation of the participants' shared experience. The holistic experience was comprised of two opposing, dynamic life forces: exercising precaution and striving for independence. Within each life force, participants used five major strategies that simultaneously constrained and expanded their life space. Health-promoting practice and policy implications, as well as areas for further research, are discussed.
Ward-Griffin
Catherine
C
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1. cwg@uwo.ca
Hobson
Sandra
S
Melles
Pauline
P
Kloseck
Marita
M
Vandervoort
Anthony
A
Crilly
Richard
R
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D026684:Personal Autonomy