Health Emergencies, Falls, and Use of Communication Technologies by Older People with Functional and Social Frailty: Ageing in Place in Deprived Areas of Italy

Abstract

Frail older people ageing alone in place need help to perform daily living activities, especially when functional limitations are increasing and formal/informal supports are lacking. This context represents a risk of experiencing health emergencies, in particular falls. It is thus important to understand how seniors manage these potential difficulties and who helps them. The present study aimed to explore these dimensions in Italy, where 120 qualitative interviews were carried out in 2019 within the “Inclusive ageing in place” (IN-AGE) research project, involving frail older people living alone at home. A content analysis was conducted. Results showed that seniors need to manage health emergencies regarding heart and breathing problems but mainly episodes of falls are reported, with consequent fractures and fear of falling again. In several cases, the use of a mobile phone was crucial in order to seek for help, and the first to intervene were children, in addition to some neighbors. Some seniors also referred their ability to call independently the General Practitioner (GP) or the emergency room, in order to not disturb family members. These findings highlight new useful insights for policy makers, regarding health emergencies prevention and management measures to put in place, especially concerning falls, and the support provided by communication technologies.

Stakeholder needs assessment for developing ageing in place solutions – a qualitative study

“…With an anticipated 22% increase in the number of people aged over 67 years old by 2035 [ 2 ], commonly referred to as the “greying of the globe” [ 3 ], it is evident that the population’s need for care will rise dramatically in the coming decades [ 4 ]. Taking into account age-related changes, such as physical, functional, psychological and social aspects of life [ 5 ], sociodemographic change implies a rising number of chronic diseases and older adults being affected by frailty [ 6 , 7 ].…”