Falls efficacy as a measure of fear of falling

Article Abstract:

Most falls among the elderly do not cause serious injury, but 5 to 15 percent of falls do result in injuries that may lead to loss of function or immobility. In addition, the psychological consequence, the fear of falling, may lead the elderly person to avoid activities even though they are capable of performing them. In spite of research that indicates that 25 percent of those who have fallen avoid certain activities because of this fear, little is known about it. The authors devised a Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) to measure this fear, and pretested it in two stages on a total of 74 elderly people. Fear of falling was defined as low perceived self-efficacy, or the ability to help oneself. The test included items regarding nonhazardous activities essential to daily living suggested by therapists, nurses, and doctors. Depression, anxiety, level of physical ability, and fear of falling are related, but if fear of falling is separate from the other factors, and if those at risk of developing fear of falling can be identified, then this fear can be treated. Behavioral modification is especially useful in treating fears such as these. Physical and occupational therapy can improve confidence in mobility and performance of daily activities, and lead to fewer admissions to nursing homes, and to enhanced psychological and physical adjustment at home. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Falls (Accidents), Accidental falls

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Changes in grief and mental health of bereaved spouses of older suicides

Article Abstract:

The impact of the death of an older person on the mental health and psychological status of the surviving spouse is assessed over 2 1/2 years afterthe death using five self-report scales and by a one item self-rated mental health questionnaire. The death of a spouse whether by suicide or by natural causes results in grief, depression, tension, anxiety, confusion and a severe sense of loss. Most of the feelings decrease over time with varying courses by the end of 30 months of bereavement. However, the coping process for suvivors of suicide victims seems to be a more difficult one as compared to survivors ofthose who died by natural causes.

Bereavement, Widows, Widowers, Bereavement in old age

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Determinants of change in perceived health in a longitudinal study of older adults

Article Abstract:

The relative importance of psychosocial, dispositional and biological factors on perceived related changes in health were determined in a three-year longitudinal study. Self-ratings of health were fairly stable over the three-year study period. However, more than 50% of the 251 older adults studiedhad at least one period where their perceived health declined and more than a third of these subjects continued to experience the decline at the next interview schedule. There were also more new illnesses, worsened old conditionsand increased visits to the doctor during the period of perceived decline in health.

Health behavior

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