Citation

Dollard J, Barton C, Newbury J, Turnbull D. Australas. J. Ageing 2013; 32(1): 34-40.

Affiliation

Discipline of General Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Spencer Gulf Rural Health School, University of Adelaide and University of South Australia, Port Lincoln, South Australia, Australia School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Australian Council on the Ageing, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00597.x

PMID

23521732

Abstract

Aim:  To determine whether older community-dwelling people underestimate their own perceived chance of falling compared with that of other older people (comparative optimism), and whether a history of falls is associated with comparative optimism. Method:  A sample of community-dwelling South Australians aged ≥65 years (n= 389) completed a computer-assisted telephone interview about their 12-month fall history, their perceived chance of falling and their rating of other older people's chance of falling. Results:  Respondents were comparatively optimistic about their chance of falling (Z =-8.1, P < 0.001). Those who had fallen in the last 12 months had a lower comparative optimism score (Z =-3.0, P < 0.003). Conclusion:  As older people were comparatively optimistic about their likelihood of falling, they might not find fall prevention messages relevant. When older people present with a fall, clinicians could provide fall prevention information consistent with how older people present themselves.

Language: en