Safety of older people on stairs : behavioural factors

Abstract

Falling on steps and stairs in the home is a serious problem for older people aged 65 and\nover, both in terms of the high frequency with which these accidents occur and their\nconsequences. Although previous research has increased knowledge of personal and\nenvironmental factors involved in falls on stairs, behavioural aspects have received less\nattention. The aini of this investigation, therefore, was to improve understanding of how\nolder people keep and use their stairs, and to assess the iniplications for stair safety.\nInterviews were conducted with 157 older people, aged between 65-96 years, in their own\nhomes. Using a conibination of open and closed questions, participants were asked about\ntheir behaviour on and around thc stairs, awareness of safety factors and any history of\nfalling on stairs. During each visit, information was collected about the stairs in the home\nincluding design and repair of stair coverings, number of handrails and thcir condition,\nobjects on and around the stairs, lighting, and position of windows. Standard\nmthropometric dimensions of interviewees were recorded, along with other measurements\nincluding grip strength, ability to get up from a stool without using hands, and measures of\nvisual acuity and depth perception.