Gender Differences in Older Adults’ Perceptions of Falls and Fall Prevention

Abstract

Aim To explore gender differences in older adults’ perceptions about preventing falls. Background Falls are a major problem for older adults and health care systems and a challenge to the aging population. Consideration of older adults’ perceptions of fall prevention is needed to increase their engagement in evidence-based prevention strategies. Method A qualitative analysis of secondary data was performed. Results Three major themes emerged: We’ve Seen It, Women Are Caregivers, and Men Are Analyzing Risks and Modifying Behaviors. The men and women in this study shared information about falls and fall prevention in alignment with traditional role expectations. The women learned about falling through their roles as caregivers and prevented falls by controlling extrinsic risk factors indoors such as holding onto handrails on stairs or making home modifications. The men demonstrated an analytical approach to reducing risk such as employing improved safety measures during outdoors activities as a responsibility to maintain independence. Implications The different perceptions of men and women influence what they do to engage in fall prevention. Health care professionals need to consider gender differences and take an individualized approach that includes allowing older adults to share their experiences, acknowledging their successful fall prevention behaviors, and validating and addressing their concerns.

Is it a Macho Thing? Older Adults’ Perceptions of Gender Differences inFall Prevention Class Participation

“…This finding is supported in previous research in which gender difference themes for perceptions about preventing falls are included: Men are Analyzing Risks and Modifying Behaviors and Women are Caregivers (Patton et al, 2021). Men tend to seek more information from healthcare providers and utilize it in their risk analysis, whereas women voiced more self-efficacy and learning from experiences (Patton et al, 2021). In this study, men emphasized the relevance and importance of the healthcare provider leader and observing positive personal outcomes.…”

“…Men more frequently noted the need for structure and leadership as a positive influence on their motivation to exercise. This finding is supported in previous research in which gender difference themes for perceptions about preventing falls are included: Men are Analyzing Risks and Modifying Behaviors and Women are Caregivers ( Patton et al, 2021 ). Men tend to seek more information from healthcare providers and utilize it in their risk analysis, whereas women voiced more self-efficacy and learning from experiences ( Patton et al, 2021 ).…”

“…A recent study found that both men and women had similar knowledge about the risks and serious outcomes related to falling. However, men were more likely to analyze their risks and use knowledge from healthcare providers, whereas women felt they learned about fall risk through their experiences in taking care of others ( Patton et al, 2021 ). Multiple factors facilitate and challenge older adults’ participation in exercise, such as socioeconomic status, cognitive impairment, frailty, motivation, perception of exercise intensity as too low or too high, presence of health conditions or pain, involvement in decision-making, and perception that the programs are both relevant and will improve quality of life ( Malik et al, 2020 ; McMahon et al, 2011 ; Noonan et al, 2011 ; Yardley et al, 2006 , 2008 ).…”

Comparing the cost-effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Programme among older women and men: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

“…Men made greater use of emergency services. These differences may be due to: 1) women may be more proactive in seeking care earlier, 2) the number and type of fall risk factors may differ by gender [ 50 ] (e.g., number of chronic diseases may be higher in women [ 51 ]), and 3) men may be more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour and overestimate their true ability [ 52 ], and 4) baseline health related quality of life may differ [ 53 ]. In our study, men also demonstrated higher mean health resource utilization costs.…”

Sex Differences in Falls: The Mediating Role of Gait Stability Ratio and Body Balance in Vulnerable Older Adults

“…Notably, the facts point to the need to deepen the understanding of the factors associated with falls according to the sex of the fallers. From this, it is possible to extend this issue to two important points: the creation of methods to identify the risks of falls and the improvement of fall prevention programs specific to each sex [ 21 ].…”