@article{ref1,
title="Association of loneliness with falls: a study of older US adults using the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project",
journal="Gerontology and geriatric medicine",
year="2021",
author="Zeytinoglu, Meltem and Wroblewski, Kristen E. and Vokes, Tamara J. and Huisingh-Scheetz, Megan and Hawkley, Louise C. and Huang, Elbert S.",
volume="7",
number="",
pages="e2333721421989217-e2333721421989217",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: Falls represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults, and are more common among those living alone. We aimed to determine if there is an association between loneliness and falls. <br><br>METHODS: Participants were surveyed in three waves separated by 5 years. We used the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale to measure loneliness. <br><br>RESULTS: Data from 2337 respondents, with both loneliness and fall data in at least two consecutive waves, were included. Over three waves, 51% respondents reported a fall and 23% reported ≥ two falls. In multivariate analysis, the odds of having ≥ one fall 5 years later increased by a factor of 1.11 per one point increase on the loneliness scale (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.04, 1.19; p < .01). <br><br>DISCUSSION: Lonely older adults have increased odds of future falls. Strategies for combating loneliness in older adults may help reduce fall-related morbidity and mortality.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2333-7214",
doi="10.1177/2333721421989217",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2333721421989217"
}