Fear of Falls Can Lead to Actual Falls in Older People

New research has found that having a fear of falling can lead to actual falls among older people. The findings of the study, led by Prof Stephen Lord from Neuroscience Research Australia, has been published in the BMJ (accessible within our CIAP subscription) - "Determinants of disparities between perceived and physiological risk of falling among elderly people: cohort study". The research involved assessment of 500 Australians aged 70-90 years. It found that a large number of elderly people are overly fearful of falling. This is associated with poor balance, anxiety and depression. The study found up to one third of elderly people either underestimate or overestimate their risk of falls.