Abstract
Aim: To determine whether older community-dwelling people underestimate their own perceived chance of falling compared with that of other older people (comparative optimism), and whether a history of falls is associated with comparative optimism. Method: A sample of community-dwelling South Australians aged ≥65 years (n= 389) completed a computer-assisted telephone interview about their 12-month fall history, their perceived chance of falling and their rating of other older people's chance of falling. Results: Respondents were comparatively optimistic about their chance of falling (Z =-8.1, P < 0.001). Those who had fallen in the last 12 months had a lower comparative optimism score (Z =-3.0, P < 0.003). Conclusion: As older people were comparatively optimistic about their likelihood of falling, they might not find fall prevention messages relevant. When older people present with a fall, clinicians could provide fall prevention information consistent with how older people present themselves.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 34-40 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Australasian Journal on Ageing |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2013 |
Keywords
- Accidental falls
- Aged
- Cross-sectional survey
- Health knowledge
- Risk assessment