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Journal Article

Citation

Viljanen A, Kulmala J, Rantakokko M, Koskenvuo M, Kaprio JA, Rantanen T. J. Aging Health 2013; 25(5): 776-791.

Affiliation

1Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0898264313494412

PMID

23832841

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the accumulation of sensory difficulties predicts fear of falling (FOF), and whether the traits correlate with each other regardless of familial factors. METHODS: Self-reported hearing, vision and balance difficulties, and FOF were assessed using structured questionnaires at the baseline and after a 3-year follow-up in 63- to 76-year-old women (n = 434). RESULTS: Among the women without FOF at baseline (n = 245), 41% reported FOF at follow-up. Increasing numbers of sensory difficulties at baseline predicted higher incidence of FOF. The relationship between accumulated sensory difficulties and FOF was not mediated by familial factors. DISCUSSION: The accumulation of multiple sensory difficulties may hinder older people from receiving compensatory information about body position and environment, thus jeopardizing a person's confidence in maintaining a balanced position. Regular screening of sensory functions followed by appropriate actions may prevent the development of FOF, and thus contribute to prevention of falls and promotion of healthy aging.


Language: en

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