AI Article Synopsis
- The study explored how fear of falling is linked to depression, anxiety, and activity level in older adults.
- The research included a survey and assessments involving 99 adults aged 55 and older.
- Key findings showed that higher anxiety and depression were associated with increased fear of falling and activity restrictions, suggesting the need for occupational therapy practitioners to screen for these issues in their clients.
Article Abstract
Objective: This study examined (1) the relationship of fear of falling to depression, anxiety, activity level, and activity restriction and (2) whether depression or anxiety predicted fear of falling, activity level, activity restriction, or changes in activity level.
Method: We administered the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly; the Geriatric Depression Scale-30; and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, IVR Version, during a one-time visit to 99 community-dwelling adults ≥55 yr old.
Results: We found significant relationships between (1) fear of falling and depression, anxiety, and activity level; (2) depression and anxiety; and (3) activity restriction and depression. Activity level was negatively correlated with activity restriction, fear of falling, depression, and anxiety. Anxiety predicted both fear of falling and activity level. Both anxiety and depression predicted activity restriction because of fear of falling and for other reasons.
Conclusion: Occupational therapy practitioners should consider screening their older adult clientele for fear of falling, anxiety, and depression because these states may lead to fall risk and activity restriction.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2012.002535 | DOI Listing |
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