Gender Differences in Older Adults' Perceptions of Falls and Fall Prevention.
Health Promot Pract
; 23(5): 785-792, 2022 09.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33969733
ABSTRACT
AIM:
To explore gender differences in older adults' perceptions about preventing falls.BACKGROUND:
Falls are a major problem for older adults and health care systems and a challenge to the aging population. Consideration of older adults' perceptions of fall prevention is needed to increase their engagement in evidence-based prevention strategies.METHOD:
A qualitative analysis of secondary data was performed.RESULTS:
Three major themes emerged We've Seen It, Women Are Caregivers, and Men Are Analyzing Risks and Modifying Behaviors. The men and women in this study shared information about falls and fall prevention in alignment with traditional role expectations. The women learned about falling through their roles as caregivers and prevented falls by controlling extrinsic risk factors indoors such as holding onto handrails on stairs or making home modifications. The men demonstrated an analytical approach to reducing risk such as employing improved safety measures during outdoors activities as a responsibility to maintain independence. IMPLICATIONS The different perceptions of men and women influence what they do to engage in fall prevention. Health care professionals need to consider gender differences and take an individualized approach that includes allowing older adults to share their experiences, acknowledging their successful fall prevention behaviors, and validating and addressing their concerns.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Envelhecimento
/
Cuidadores
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limite:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Health Promot Pract
Assunto da revista:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos