TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Accumulation of sensory difficulties predicts fear of falling in older women
JO  - Journal of aging and health
A1  - Viljanen, Anne
A1  - Kulmala, Jenni
A1  - Rantakokko, Merja
A1  - Koskenvuo, Markku
A1  - Kaprio, Jaakko A.
A1  - Rantanen, Taina
SP  - 776
EP  - 791
VL  - 25
IS  - 5
N2  - OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the accumulation of sensory difficulties predicts fear of falling (FOF), and whether the traits correlate with each other regardless of familial factors. METHODS: Self-reported hearing, vision and balance difficulties, and FOF were assessed using structured questionnaires at the baseline and after a 3-year follow-up in 63- to 76-year-old women (n = 434). RESULTS: Among the women without FOF at baseline (n = 245), 41% reported FOF at follow-up. Increasing numbers of sensory difficulties at baseline predicted higher incidence of FOF. The relationship between accumulated sensory difficulties and FOF was not mediated by familial factors. DISCUSSION: The accumulation of multiple sensory difficulties may hinder older people from receiving compensatory information about body position and environment, thus jeopardizing a person's confidence in maintaining a balanced position. Regular screening of sensory functions followed by appropriate actions may prevent the development of FOF, and thus contribute to prevention of falls and promotion of healthy aging.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0898-2643
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0898264313494412
ID  - ref1
ER  -