Study reveals older people's fear of falling increases future risk by 60 per cent

Fear of falling can increase the risk of future falls by at least 60 per cent, new research shows. A review published in the journal has found that concerns about falling are a strong predictor of future falls among older adults. The international study analysed 53 pieces of research involving more than 75,000 participants.

It was led by Dr Toby Ellmers, research fellow at the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London, and Professor Kim Delbaere, senior research scientist and director of innovation and translation at the Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA). Dr Samuel Nyman, head of the department of psychology at the University of , is also a co-author. Researchers concluded that concerns about falling should be routinely included in fall risk assessments of older adults.



The review highlighted that people with a higher level of concern about falling were at least 60 per cent more likely to experience a fall. The cost to the NHS is significant. In 2023, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reported that the cost of falls to the NHS was more than £2.

3 billion every year. That means the NHS spends more than £6 million each day as a result of falls. Professor Delbaere said: "The first step in prevention is starting the conversation.

"Many older adults don’t talk about their concerns unless asked, yet these concerns are real and can increase their risk of falling." Prof Delbaere added: "By routinely discussing concerns about falling, healthcare professionals, families and caregivers can help older adults take early action to stay active and independent." Dr Nyman said: "Older people with concerns about falling can become less physically active and more socially isolated, which in turn can have a negative impact on their quality of life.

" Dr Nyman also said: "Talking with older people about their concerns with falling can lead on to them getting the support they need to continue to be active and well and reduce their future risk of falling." The findings provide further support for the 2022 World Falls Guidelines, which recommended that healthcare professionals should assess concerns about falling. Researchers stress the importance of starting conversations about falling with older people.

Doing so can help them access support, remain active and reduce the risk of falls in the future. The Age and Ageing article can be read online for further information..