Low physical activity and depression are the prominent predictive factors for falling in older adults: the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS)

Abstract

Background Falling in the elderly has many irreparable consequences, including hospitalization to long-term care centers and loss of independence, depression and social isolation, financial burden, and death. The present study was conducted to estimate the incidence of falls and their associated factors among community-dwelling older adults. Methods This program is a population-based prospective cohort study (≥ 60 years) in Birjand City from 2019–2020. A total of 1418 participants were included in the study, and 1344 participants were analyzed according to the inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine risk factors were evaluated. Basic information included demographic information, lifestyle factors, general health and medical history, and mental and functional health. Result The incidence of falls among community-dwelling older adults in the previous approximately 24 months in the present study was 9.26% in women and 2.65% in men. In the multiple Cox proportional regression model based on fall risk factors, there was a strong significant relationship between male sex (HR = 0.37, CI = 0.21 to 0.64), being physically active (HR = 0.59, CI = 0.36 to 0.96), moderate-to-severe depression (HR = 2.97, CI = 1.47 to 6.01), severe depression (HR = 3.26, CI = 1.24 to 8.54), and high risk of falls according to the TUG test (HR = 1.73, CI = 1.10 to 2.72). Conclusions Inactivity and depression were recognized as important factors in falls in elderly individuals. It is recommended for elderly individuals to have an active lifestyle to prevent falls and to prioritize the diagnosis and treatment of depression in elderly individuals. Women as a group at higher risk should be considered in prevention programs. In addition, the use of the TUG test to identify high-risk elderly individuals should be considered.