Fall Prevention Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Current Guidelines and Older Adult Responses.

Abstract

Older adults are vulnerable to falls that result in injury and disability, making fall prevention a national priority. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate community-dwelling older adults' perceptions about falls and fall prevention activities to guide interventions. Participants had high awareness of falls and believed that they could reduce their risk of falling. Approximately three fourths of participants reported taking actions to reduce risk of falling; however, participation in community fall prevention programs was low. The survey used provides a method to help nurses identify targets for fall prevention interventions to reduce this physical health disparity in vulnerable older populations. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(9), 21-29.].