FEAR OF FALLING - 30 Years of Research

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Sarah

Fear of falling affects community-dwelling older adults by reducing activity and quality of life while increasing the risk of falling. The topic has been studied for more than 30 years, prompting an umbrella review to summarize the state of evidence and implications for future research. Searches of CINAHL, Medline (OVID), Scopus, and Cochrane for reviews since 1990 identified 879 English-language articles, with exclusions for specific conditions and settings. After screening, 47 articles informed synthesis of designs, samples, measures, and outcomes. Evidence indicates fear of falling is a major public health issue linked to negative outcomes such as depression, reduced activity, and higher risk of nursing home placement, with support for exercise and multifactorial interventions to improve quality of life.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Review Purpose

Search Strategy and Inclusion Criteria

Study Screening and Final Set

Extracted Data: Designs, Measures, Outcomes

Key Findings and Implications

FAQs

What was the aim of the umbrella review on fear of falling?

To explore the state of the science on fear of falling and determine implications for future research.

Which sources and time range were used to find relevant reviews and studies?

The review searched CINAHL, Medline (OVID), Scopus, and Cochrane for reviews from 1990 onward.

What overall outcomes are associated with fear of falling in older people?

Fear of falling is linked to reduced activity and quality of life, depression, and increased risk of nursing home placement, and it is a risk factor for future falls.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Sarah