Older community‐dwelling people's comparative optimism about falling: A population‐based telephone survey. (18th May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dollard, Joanne; Barton, Christopher; Newbury, Jonathan; Turnbull, Deborah
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 32:Number 1(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2012-05-18
• Subjects: accidental falls -- aged -- cross‐sectional survey -- health knowledge -- risk assessment; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00597.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

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.