The Fear of Falling, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Elderly After COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 negatively affected the physical and mental health of elderly due to pandemic-related restrictions. This study aimed to investigate the influences on fear of falling, physical activity level, and quality of life in older people living in the community after the COVID-19. Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) were used to study. One hundred fifty individuals older than 65 years. Results indicated that 69.3% of the individuals had fallen in the past 6 months. FES-I showed that the elderly had moderate FES-I (31.95 ± 10.55), and PASE showed that this cohort had severe activity limitation (85.42 ± 56.45) and low NHP (213.62 ± 143.45). There was negative association between FES-I and PASE levels (ρ = .000, r = −0.291) and a moderate negative association between. FES-I and NHP (ρ = .000, r = 0.577). The variables for the number of falls and FES-I were included in the multiple linear regression analysis and model formed with FES-I that predicted PASE level was statistically significant. As a result, it is important to raise awareness about older individuals’ concerns regarding falling to implement essential measures that can effectively alleviate such fears.. In this context, it is advisable to explore innovative clinical and policy strategies that can facilitate the seamless integration of interdisciplinary preventive care for vulnerable elderly individuals, with the overarching aim of enhancing their overall quality of life.