Fear of Falling among Older Adults: Measurements and Interventions

Although the prevalence of falls in the older population in Hong Kong remains constant, the total number of fallers in the population is increasing as the population ages. The consequences of falls can be serious and place the burden of medical resources and social care on society. Falls in old age can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Among them, fear of falling, which is a lasting concern about falling that can make older people avoid activities of daily living, is often ignored by caregivers, social workers, and healthcare workers. This chapter examines fear of falls, its relationship to falls self-efficacy, and reviews the evidence surrounding the measurements and rehabilitation interventions concerned with fear of falling. It is hoped that the different ways to reduce fall risks caused by fear of falls illustrated in this chapter will enhance the quality of life of older adults and reduce the burden of community care on families and government healthcare resources in Hong Kong.