THE FEAR OF FALLING SYNDROME - RELATIONSHIP TO FALLS, PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE, AND ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING IN FRAIL OLDER PERSONS

The relationship between fear of falling, past and future falls, physi cal performance, disability, and psychosocial factors in older men wit h impaired mobility was examined. This study shows that fear of fallin g is not limited to those with a history of falls, but rather is a pre valent syndrome among older persons with impaired mobility. Fear of fa lling is associated with diminished physical performance, increased di sability, and greater depression, but is not necessarily predictive of future falls.