@article {7988, title = {Predictors of falls among community-dwelling older adults with cancer: results from the health and retirement study}, journal = {Supportive Care in Cancer}, volume = {22}, year = {2014}, note = {Times Cited: 0}, pages = {479-485}, publisher = {22}, abstract = {Cancer symptoms and the side effects of its treatment can increase the risk of falling among older adults with cancer. This study aimed to identify predictors of falling and recurrent falls among community-dwelling older adults with cancer over a 2-year period. Data from the Health and Retirement Study were used (N = 1,630) in this study. The sample had a mean age of 75 years and was mostly female (53 ) and white (89 ). Descriptive analyses, correlation analyses, and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. The results showed that functional limitations (OR = 1.13, 95 CI = 1.03-1.24), the full-tandem stance (OR = 1.48, 95 CI = 1.01-2.16), and self-reported difficulties with balance (OR = 1.50, 95 CI = 1.23-1.83) at time 1 were significant predictors of falling at time 2. Only difficulties with self-reported balance (OR = 1.84, 95 CI = 1.44-2.36) at time 1 were found to be a predictor of recurrent falls at time 2. The consequences of falling can complicate the course of cancer treatment. Measures of functional limitations and balance have the potential to be quick and useful clinical tools to detect falling among seniors with cancer living in communities.}, keywords = {Health Conditions and Status, Risk Taking}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24122385}, author = {Tuo-Yu Chen and Megan C Janke} } @article {7968, title = {Predictors of older adults{\textquoteright} personal and community mobility: using a comprehensive theoretical mobility framework.}, journal = {Gerontologist}, volume = {54}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Jun}, pages = {398-408}, publisher = {54}, abstract = {

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Forty-six percent of older adults report limitations in their mobility, and maintaining mobility is considered an important factor in keeping adults independent and active in later life. This study tests a comprehensive theoretical framework of mobility (Webber, S. C., Porter, M. M., \& Menec, V. H. [2010]. Mobility in older adults: A comprehensive framework. The Gerontologist, 50[4], 443-450. doi:10.1093/geront/gnq013) identifying multiple determinants that additively influence mobility (financial, psychosocial, environmental, physical, and cognitive), as well as cross-cutting influences of gender, culture, and biography.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Structural equation modeling was used to examine several models of mobility using data from 6,112 respondents in the Health and Retirement Study (mean age: 74.74, 85\% white, 41\% male, 57\% married).

RESULTS: The original measurement model fit the data well. When both personal and community mobility were simultaneously predicted, only the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental determinants were retained in the independent models. Age and marital status also predicted personal and community mobility. Although most of these relationships were in the expected direction, interestingly when both forms of mobility were included in the model, poorer cognitive ability was associated with greater personal mobility in the final model.

IMPLICATIONS: Results indicate the importance of accounting for and examining comprehensive models of mobility. The factors affecting older adults{\textquoteright} mobility are complex, and these relationships need to be explored in more depth to ensure the maintenance of individuals{\textquoteright} independence and quality of life.

}, keywords = {Aged, Female, Humans, Male, Mobility Limitation, Models, Theoretical}, issn = {1758-5341}, doi = {10.1093/geront/gnt054}, author = {M. Ren{\'e}e Umstattd Meyer and Megan C Janke and Beaujean, A. Alexander} }