The Effects of Falling and Fear of Falling on Daily Activity Levels in the Elderly Residing in Korean Rural Community

Abstract

fear of falling (66.9%). This was further broken down to participants who were 'a little concerned’ (31.4%), ‘much concerned’ (20.7%), and ‘very much concerned’ (13.7%). 183 people (61.2%) had limited daily activities caused by a fear of falling. Fallers experienced higher levels of anxiety and fear of falling than non-fallers (p<0.001). Comparing fear of falling with limited daily activities shows that the greater the fear of falling, the larger the limitation in daily activities and the lower the K-IADL score. After adjusting for falling, multiple linear regression showed that fear of falling and limited daily activities were positively correlated (p<0.001). Among groups with fear of falling, non-fallers, exercise group (p=0.024), and good perceived health group (p=0.022) had no limitations in activities compared with the control groups. Conclusion: Modifying drinking habits, diet habits, and social activities associated with perceived health states may improve daily activity levels in the elderly residing in rural communities, even though they have the fear of falling.