Masculinity and preventing falls: insights from the fall experiences of men aged 70 years and over

Abstract

Purpose: To explore men’s fall experiences through the lens of masculine identities so as to assist health professionals better engage men in fall prevention programs.

Methods: Twenty-five men, aged 70–93 years who had experienced a recent fall, participated in a qualitative semi-structured interview. Men’s willingness to engage in fall prevention programs taking account of individual contexts and expressions of masculinity, were conceptualised using constant comparative methods.

Results: Men’s willingness to engage in fall prevention programs was related to their perceptions of the preventability of falls; personal relevance of falls; and age, health, and capability as well as problem-solving styles to prevent falls. Fall prevention advice was rarely given when men accessed the health system at the time of a fall.

Conclusions: Contrary to dominant expectations about masculine identity, many men acknowledged fall vulnerability indicating they would attend or consider attending, a fall prevention program. Health professionals can better engage men by providing consistent messages that falls can be prevented; tailoring advice, understanding men are at different stages in their awareness of fall risk and preferences for action; and by being aware of their own assumptions that can act as barriers to speaking with men about fall prevention.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Men accessing the health system at the time of the fall, and during rehabilitation following a fall represent prime opportunities for health professionals to speak with men about preventing falls and make appropriate referrals to community programs.

• Tailored advice will take account of individual men’s perceptions of preventability; personal relevance; perceptions of age, health and capability; and problem-solving styles.

Keywords:

• Fall prevention
• older men
• gender
• qualitative study

Acknowledgements

This research was completed using data collected through the 45 and Up Study (www.saxinstitute.org.au). The 45 and Up Study is managed by the Sax Institute in collaboration with major partner Cancer Council NSW; and partners: the National Heart Foundation of Australia (NSW Division); NSW Ministry of Health; NSW Government Family & Community Services – Carers, Ageing and Disability Inclusion; and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. We thank the many thousands of people participating in the 45 and Up Study and in particular, the men who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council [Partnerships Project Grant number 1016876].