Falls remain the leading cause of injury in adults aged 65 and older, generating over $50 billion in annual healthcare expenditures in the United States. Although physical therapy has strengthened its emphasis on fall assessment and prevention, falls persist as a major public health issue. Fall risk is multifactorial, influenced by intrinsic, extrinsic, and situational factors. Yet many fall-prevention programs prioritize physical or environmental contributors while neglecting critical psychological and social variables. Fear-avoidance behaviors amplify the risk of inactivity, muscular atrophy, anxiety, and subsequent falls—reinforcing a negative cycle of functional decline. A holistic biopsychosocial approach broadens traditional interventions by integrating psychological screening and social determinants into fall-prevention strategies.
This presentation explores how psychological and social factors influence mobility patterns and activity levels in older adults. Many older adults with a history of falls restrict movement due to fear, resulting in social isolation and reduced physical activity, both of which heighten fall risk. Incorporating screening for fear of falling, anxiety, depression, and social connectedness, combined with interdisciplinary collaboration, can enhance outcomes. Occupational therapists and mental health professionals, particularly those skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play a critical role in addressing these factors.

Authors:
Germaine Ferreira, Baylor University, United States
Srilekha Palle, Inova Health System and Srilekha Specialized Health Clinics, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Srilekha Reddy Palle, PT, DPT, MBA
Director, Rehabilitation Services
Cardiac, Pulmonary and SET-PAD Rehab Programs
Physical Medicine & Rehab

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/srilekhapalle/

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

Bookmark