Psychological well-being is an independent predictor of falling in an 8-year follow-up of older adults.
A population-based sample (N = 787) was followed for 8 years and assessed three times on measures of well-being (depressive symptoms, morale, and control) and fall history. Marginal models assessed the association between baseline well-being measures and falling. Random effects models assessed change in well-being indicators as well as change in fall rate over 8 years. After adjustment for sociodemographics, psychotropic medication, health, and sensorimotor function, our results showed that depressive symptoms, control, and morale were risk factors for subsequent falling, and an increase in depressive symptoms or a reduction in morale was associated with an increasing fall rate. We conclude that the three well-being measures are independently associated with falling and need to be considered in fall-risk assessments and population-based prevention and intervention strategies.
Anstey
Kaarin J
KJ
Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. kaarin.anstey@anu.edu.au
Burns
Richard
R
von Sanden
Chwee
C
Luszcz
Mary A
MA
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009013:Morale; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors