Outdoor Fall Experiences: An Exploratory Study of Urban and Suburban Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Aims: Outdoor falls can result in significant challenges to the health and well-being of older adults. Therefore, factors associated with outdoor fall risk warrant attention in research and clinical practice. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare the outdoor fall experiences of urban and suburban residents with an eye towards considerations for prevention practices. Methods: A convenience sample of community dwelling older adults was recruited. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses from a survey was used to explore and compare and contrast the outdoor fall experiences of suburban and urban dwellers. Results: Both similarities and differences in the causes and locations of outdoor falls were identified. Conclusions: Preliminary results from this exploratory study suggest differences between the outdoor falls of urban and suburban dwelling older adults. A larger scale study to confirm the findings is warranted given the implications for planning community-based occupational therapy-led outdoor fall prevention programs.

Keywords:

• Outdoor falls
• neighborhood environment
• productive aging

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the following people who assisted with data collection: Cali Stoffel, Lauren Cefalo, RoseAnn Knight, Liat Brody, Mi Sun Monica An, Talia Lautman, Diane Huang, Tova Joseph, and Bhumi Mahadevia.

Disclosure statement

No Conflicts of interest to report.