Being worried about falling can increase the risk of this happening for older Australians, neuroscience researchers have warned.
A new international study led by Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), says falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations and cost the Australian health system nearly $3 billion annually.
Director of Innovation and Translation at the Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Kim Delbarere said many people worried about falling.
“Our analysis found that older adults with high concerns about falling were significantly more likely to experience a fall,” Professor Delbarere said.
“While we already knew having had prior falls was a risk factor for developing concerns about falling, this research found falling can be both a cause and consequence of falls.
“Importantly, this increased risk was observed even after accounting for key physical risk factors such as age, previous falls and balance impairments. This means that concerns about falling are not just a reflection of physical frailty but an independent factor influencing future falls.”
The study report said the impact of a fall could be life changing.
It often resulted in long-term disability, loss of independence, social isolation and a premature move into residential aged care.
The research analysed 53 studies involving more than 75,000 participants.
“Concerns about falling are highly prevalent in older adults, affecting nearly one in two people by age 85,” Professor Delbarere said.
“The first step in prevention is starting the conversation. Many older adults don’t talk about their concerns unless asked, yet these concerns are real and can increase their risk of falling.
“By routinely discussing concerns about falling, healthcare professionals, families and caregivers can help older adults take early action to stay active and independent.”
The report was published in Age and Ageing and can be read here.
