This study examines the relationship between multi-domain frailty and fall risk among 3,709 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 69±7.0 years; 56.2% female) from the population-based Panel Study of Active Ageing and Society (PAAS) in Hong Kong. Physical frailty was assessed using the SOF frailty index. Mental frailty assessed cognitive impairment, low mood, and self-rated health status. Social Frailty evaluated a combination of living arrangements, educational level, socio-economic status, and social support. Fall risk was examined using the Three Key Questions including history of falls, gait/balance impairment, and fear of falling. Binary logistic regression models were employed to estimate the associations between frailty and fall risk, adjusting for age, sex, and chronic diseases.
Totally 37.6% older adults were at risk of falls, with physical, mental, and social frailty affecting 11.7%, 38.8% and 21.6%, respectively. All three frailty dimensions were significantly associated with an increased risk of falls (p < .001). Physical frailty exhibited the strongest association (OR = 22.82; 95% CI: 16.03–32.51), followed by mental (OR = 2.62; 95% CI: 2.27–3.02) and social frailty (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.15–1.61). The results indicate that frailty can affect the risk of falls across multiple domains. Except of physical frailty, mental and social frailty significantly deepen the likelihood of falls among older adults. In this case, fall prevention strategies should adopt a holistic approach, combining the mental and social frailty assessments at the base of physical frailty to comprehensively identify and support older adults at risk of falls.

Authors:
Youjuan Zhang, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
Yang Chao, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
Xue Bai, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Youjuan ZHANG is currently a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Social Sciences and a Research Coordinator at the Research Centre of Gerontology and Family Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

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