Open AccessHousehold Physical Activity and Risk for Future Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Author(s) -
Elisa R. Torres,
Angela Duck,
Wondwosen KassahunYimer
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of gerontological nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.391
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1938-243X
pISSN - 0098-9134
DOI - 10.3928/00989134-20210507-02
Subject(s) - gerontology , human factors and ergonomics , falls in older adults , gerontological nursing , injury prevention , suicide prevention , poison control , occupational safety and health , physical activity , psychology , medicine , environmental health , physical medicine and rehabilitation , nursing , pathology
Household physical activity is associated with decreased risk for future falls; however, it is not known what components of household physical activity are associated with this decreased risk. In the current study, the frequency of seven household physical activities performed in the previous 12 months was assessed: child or older adult care, meal preparation, major cleaning, routine cleaning, gardening/yardwork, heavy outdoor work, and major home decoration or repair. Berg Balance Scale scores were dichotomized at ≤50, indicating less risk for future falls. Only gardening/yardwork was associated with less risk for future falls (odds ratio = 1.41, p = 0.007) while controlling for age, gender, race, body mass index, and number of medications (χ 2 = 18.33 [6], p = 0.005), explaining 17% to 23% of the variance in risk of future falls in community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 90 years ( N = 99). Clinical nursing implications include considering gardening/yardwork as an intervention to decrease risk of future falls. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47 (6), 13-18.].