Fall risk in older adults: roles of self-rated vision, home modifications, and limb function.

TitleFall risk in older adults: roles of self-rated vision, home modifications, and limb function.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsSteinman, BA, Pynoos, J, Nguyen, AQD
JournalJ Aging Health
Volume21
Issue5
Pagination655-76
Date Published2009 Aug
ISSN Number0898-2643
Call Numbernewpubs20090908_Steinman.pdf
KeywordsAccidental Falls, Activities of Daily Living, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Black or African American, Disabled Persons, Educational Status, Female, Health Status, Health Surveys, Humans, Logistic Models, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena, Risk, Risk Factors, Self-Assessment, Self-Help Devices, Surveys and Questionnaires, Vision, Low, Visual Acuity, White People
Abstract

Objective. To assess direct effects of self-rated vision, home modifications, and limb functioning, and moderating effects of self-rated vision on change in functioning of upper and lower limbs on fall risk in older adults. Method. Logistic regression was used to analyze 2004 and 2006 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Results. Effects of self-rated vision and home modifications in predicting falls decreased after controlling functioning in upper and lower extremities. Declines/gains in functioning across short periods of time superseded self-rated vision in predicting falls. No evidence was found for a moderating effect of vision status on limb functioning. Discussion. Poor self-rated vision may not be a good indicator of fall risk in older adults. Thus, for older adults with visual impairments, preserving residual limb functioning through exercise and activity has the important potential to reduce fall risk in addition to improving muscle and bone strength as well as improving balance and gait.
DOI10.1177/0898264309338295
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19494362?dopt=Abstract
Endnote Keywords

Home Modifications/exercise/Visually Impaired Persons/Falls/risk factors
Endnote ID

20680
Alternate JournalJ Aging Health
Citation Key7341
PubMed ID19494362
PubMed Central IDPMC6044723
Grant ListT32 AG000037 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States