‘Stigma’ Around Falling Can Deter Older People from Voicing Concerns to Doctors Study Reveals

New research from the University of Winchester suggests that older people are not only concerned about falling but are reluctant to talk about those concerns.

Research, the first of its kind, led by Psychology lecturers Samuel Nyman, Lynn McKeague and Liam Satchell found that that there was a perceived stigma attached to people’s concerns which might deter them from seeking help to reduce their risk of falling.

They concluded that doctors and health care professionals should take this into account when talking to older people and should be proactive but sensitive when tackling the subject.

According to the World Health Organisation’s 2021 report, Step Safely, falls are the second highest cause of accidental deaths.

And the 2022 World Guidelines for Falls Prevention and Management for Older Adults explicitly recommended concerns about falling be included in routine fall risk assessments.

Experiencing a fall can be triggering event, a sign that one’s physical powers are on the wane, prompting fears about loss of independence and isolation. In addition to physical injury a fall can damage self-esteem and some can even feel ashamed about their accident.

The Winchester team spoke with 22 older people with an average age of 75, gathered in focus groups, and asked them three key questions:

• Do you perceive a stigma around concerns about falls?
• How do you talk about your concerns?
• What do you think of the terminology used to describe them?

The participants, who all lived independently, spoke about experiencing fear and anxiety without distinguishing between the two but the researchers found that the two words are very distinct experiences.

Fear was a protective instinct, attached to direct threats in the moment, such as icy pavements or slippery floors. Anxiety was a more ongoing apprehension, outside of any immediate risk, such as worrying about not being able to get up again if they fell in the future.

The interviewees told researchers they were reluctant to discuss their concerns with doctors or people outside their peer group.

Addressing the terminology used when discussing “fear” or “concerns” about falling, researchers found that the words used had no bearing on the stigma surrounding the subject. It was more to do with who they were discussing their concerns with.

The lead author of the study, Dr Samuel Nyman, said “Many older adults are concerned about falling. This can lead to an increase in falls, loss of confidence, and going out less, which can in turn reduce their quality of life.

“We hope that those supporting older adults will take into account our findings when discussing concerns about falls with older adults. This could help older adults get the help and support they need to continue to participate in their communities and enjoy a good quality of life, as well as access support to help reduce their risk of falling.”

The study was funded by the University of Winchester and is published in European Geriatric Medicine. Read it HERE