Unintentional injuries, or accidents, are common among older adults and can lead to long-term disability and even death. However, injuries are preventable and should not be considered a normal part of aging. Recent FallsFalls, the most common cause of injury among older adults nationally and in NYC, result from a complex set of factors including loss of gait and balance, environmental hazards, the use of multiple medications, and vision problems. 1,2 Comparable to national estimates among adults aged 65 and older 3 three in 10 (29%) older NYCHA residents reported a recent fall. Unlike the prevalence of falls in the US, which are more commonly reported among women than men and increase in prevalence with age, the prevalence of recent falls among older NYCHA residents did not vary by gender or age. 3 Black residents reported fewer recent falls than white and Hispanic residents, and older residents living alone were more likely to report a recent fall than those living with others.Falls can be caused by current disability but can also contribute to disabling conditions and poor quality of life. 2,4 Adults who have experienced a fall may also develop a fear of falling that causes them to limit their physical activity and become isolated. This, in turn, decreases physical and mental health and increases risk for future falls. 2,4 Similar to older adults nationally, 2 older NYCHA residents who reported a recent fall were more likely to report being physically inactive than those who did not (39% vs. 27%). Severe vision trouble, a risk factor for falling, 2,4 was also associated with recent falls among older NYCHA residents: those with severe vision trouble were more likely than those without to report a recent fall (36% vs. 26%).Chronic health conditions, whether the condition itself or the side effects of prescribed medication to treat the condition, have been associated with an increased risk of falling. 3 Older residents diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions were more likely to report a recent fall than those with one or no conditions (32% Editor's Note. The following survey is reprinted and adapted for the Care Management Journals format with permission from the New York City Housing Authority. Part 1 appeared in Care Management Journals, 13(3), 2012.

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The purpose of this study was to explore Mexican older adults’ perspectives on successful aging along with their views about whether they consider themselves successful agers and why. Using a grounded theory framework, individual interviews were conducted with 23 older adults aged 62-88 years in Zapopan, Mexico. Successful aging is a multidimensional concept that is influenced by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Overall, participants’ definition of successful aging includes acceptance and adaptation to life transitions and health conditions, strong involvement with family and friends, being close to God, the achievement of personal goals, and aging in place. Most participants considered themselves to be successful agers although some of them recognized that not in all aspects of their lives.

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