Prevalence of Falls and Fall‐Related Outcomes in Older Adults with Self‐Reported Vision Impairment

Abstract

Objectives To determine the prevalence of falls, fear of falling (FoF), and activity limitation due to FoF in a nationally representative study of older adults with self‐reported vision impairment (VI). Design Cross‐sectional analysis of panel survey data. Setting National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative survey administered annually from 2011 to 2016 to U.S. Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. Participants Respondents (N=11,558) who contributed 36,229 participant observations. Measurements We performed logistic regression to calculate the unadjusted and adjusted prevalence of self‐reported history of more than 1 fall in the past year, any fall in the past month, FoF, and activity limitation due to FoF in participants with and without self‐reported VI. Results The weighted proportion of participants reporting VI was 8.6% (95% confidence interval (CI)=8.0–9.2%). The unadjusted prevalence of more than 1 fall in the past year was 27.6% (95% CI=25.5–29.7%) in participants with self‐reported VI and 13.2% (95% CI=12.7–13.7%) in those without self‐reported VI. In respondents with self‐reported VI, the prevalence of FoF was 48.3% (95% CI=46.1–50.6%) and of FoF limiting activity was 50.8% (95%CI 47.3–54.2%), and in those without self‐reported VI, the prevalence of FoF was 26.7% (95% CI=25.9–27.5%) and of FoF limiting activity was 33.9% (95% CI=32.4–35.4%). The prevalence of all fall and fall‐related outcomes remained significantly higher among those with self‐reported VI after adjusting for sociodemographics and potential confounders. Conclusion The prevalence of falls, FoF, and activity limitation due to FoF is high in older adults with self‐reported VI. This is the first study to provide nationally representative data on the prevalence of fall‐related outcomes in older Americans with self‐reported VI. These findings demonstrate the need to treat avoidable VI and to develop interventions to prevent falls and fall‐related outcomes in this population. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:239–245, 2019.

How cognitive loads modulate the postural control of older women with low back pain ?

“…In the present study, signi cant associations in the single task were shown only in the eye-closed condition. These ndings are supported by a study suggesting vision to be an important risk factor for falling 40 . More associations between sway area/sway length and the number of falls were signi cant in dual-task conditions than in single-task conditions.…”

Self-reported Vision Impairment and Subjective Well-being in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Mediation Analysis

“…A parsimonious set of demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and illness factors that were known to be associated with both VI and well-being (3,4,9,23,24) were included as covariates. Demographic factors included age groups in 5-year intervals, sex, and race/ethnicity.…”

“…Blindness and vision impairment (VI) affect 9% of adults over age 65 in the United States, and the prevalence of these conditions is expected to more than double over the next three decades due to aging of the population and increased life expectancy (1,2). Poor vision is associated with an increase in falls, depression, social isolation, cognitive decline, and decreased independence (3)(4)(5)(6).…”

Effects of a Multicomponent Program on Fall Incidence, Fear of Falling, and Quality of Life among Older Adult Nursing Home Residents

“…These problems can affect the body's balance and strength and cause complications such as falls and, subsequently, multiple fractures. 1,2) Twenty to sixty percent of older adults over 65 years of age experience a fall at least once in their lifetime, with half of them experiencing frequent falls. This rate is higher among older adults living in nursing homes.…”

“…13) This mental injury results from a fear of falling, which cause social isolation in older adults. 1) Many studies have reported a fear of falling as an essential factor for falls. [12][13][14] Moreover, fear of falling is a crucial factor related to reduced life satisfaction and increased nursing home admission rates.…”