Evaluating the impact of falls on functional and psychosocial aspects of older adults: a quantitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACTOlder adults are particularly susceptible to falls, which significantly impact their quality of life, cognitive and functional health, increasing the risk of further falls, hospitalizations, and greater demand for services from the Unified Health System (SUS). This quantitative study investigated the impacts of falls on the elderly, focusing on functional and psychosocial aspects, in patients treated at the Cidade-Alta Basic Health Unit, located in Maringá-PR, between 2018 and 2023, using a questionnaire that covered socioeconomic data, medical history, and scales for geriatric depression, functional capacity, and quality of life (WhoqolBref). The study involved 81 elderly individuals, predominantly women (60%), aged 70 to 80 years, with low education levels and income up to two minimum wages. Of the participants, 20 had recent falls, mostly at home, with 85% presenting sequelae and many reporting the use of medications associated with falls. Despite signs of mild depression, the overall quality of life remained generally satisfactory, but with limitations in instrumental daily life activities, suggesting a reduction in autonomy.