What are the psychosocial consequences when fear of falling starts or ends? Evidence from an asymmetric fixed effects analysis based on longitudinal data from the general population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify whether the onset and the end of fear of falling (FOF) are associated with psychosocial consequences (in terms of depressive symptoms, loneliness, social isolation, autonomy, and subjective wellbeing). Methods/Design: Longitudinal data for this study were taken from the nationally representative German Ageing Survey which included community-dwelling individuals ≥40 years (wave 5 and wave 6). Psychosocial outcome measures were assessed using widely established and well-validated scales. The presence of FOF was used as the main explanatory variable. It was adjusted for age, family status, labor force participation, self-rated health, physical functioning, as well as the number of chronic conditions. Results: Linear fixed effects regressions revealed that FOF was associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes (increased depressive symptoms, lower life satisfaction, lower positive affect, higher negative affect, and lower perceived autonomy). Asymmetric fixed effects regressions analysis showed that the onset of FOF was associated with reduced life satisfaction as well as reduced autonomy, whereas the end of FOF was associated with reduced depressive symptoms, decreased loneliness scores, as well as decreased negative affect. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that future studies should analyze the consequences of FOF differently (onset and end of FOF) which has practical important implications. More specifically, while strategies to avoid the onset of FOF may help to maintain satisfaction with life and autonomy, strategies to end FOF may contribute to avoid increased loneliness, feelings of negative affect, as well as increased depressive symptoms.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention Integrating Physical Therapy Exercise and Dance Movement Therapy on Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Pilot Study

“…FOF is a common psychological concern among older adults, affecting approximately a third of those who have fallen and nearly 50% of older adults who have not experienced a fall [ 20 ]. FOF is associated with negative health outcomes such as decreased physical and cognitive functioning, decreased mental health and well-being [ 21 , 22 ], increased symptoms of depression, frequent experiences of loneliness [ 23 ], and poor quality of life [ 24 ]. FOF can also result in limitations in physical activity related to daily life [ 25 ] and avoidance of physical and social activities [ 21 ], even in individuals without a history of falls [ 26 ].…”

Are multimorbidity patterns associated with fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults?

“…Fear of falling is related to adverse health events such as increased depressive symptoms [11], reduction in physical activity [5], functional decline [12], and increased risk of falls [13]. Several conditions can predispose a person to fear of falling, among which are female sex [14,15], a negative health self-perception [16,17], environmental factors such as residing near garbage accumulation and/or open sewers and high crime rates [10], the presence of cognitive decline [4,7], and multimorbidity [8,15].…”

Determinants of psychosocial factors among the oldest old – Evidence from the representative “Survey on quality of life and subjective well‐being of the very old in North Rhine‐Westphalia (NRW80+)”

“…To date, various previous studies have identified socioeconomic and health-related correlates of psychosocial outcomes in the general adult population and in later life. 3,4 However, there is limited knowledge regarding these associations exclusively among the oldest old. [5][6][7] Therefore, our aim was to clarify the determinants of psychosocial outcomes among the oldest old in Germany.…”