The Role of Altered Sensory Processing and Its Association with Participation in Daily Activities and Quality of Life among Older Adults in the Community

Abstract

To identify variables that contribute to fall risk in older adults, this study examined the relationship between fall risk, sensory processing, participation in daily activities, and quality of life (QoL). Of the 123 participants, those at high-risk were significantly less able to register sensory input and had increased sensory sensitivity, restricted participation and overall lower QoL. Altered sensory processing was related with risk of falling. Additionally, both sensory process and fall risk were subsequently related with lower daily participation and, together, were related with lower QoL. Thus, sensory processing, participation and QoL assessments need to be included in occupational therapy evaluations and interventions for fall risk among older adults.

Keywords:

• Older adults
• participation
• quality of life
• risk of falls
• sensory processing

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

About the Authors

Dr. Yael Zilbershlag, PhD, Lecturer and Director, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Allied Professions, Ono Academic College, Kiryat Ono, Israel. Keren Ravitz-Ron, Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. Professor Batya Engel-Yeger, PhD, Head, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.