The Influence of Personality on Falling and Engagement in Daily Activities by Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Authors

Marita Kloseck, University of Western OntarioFollow
Sandra Hobson, University of Western OntarioFollow
Richard Crilly, Parkwood Hospital, London, ON
Anthony Vandervoort, University of Western OntarioFollow
Catherine Ward-Griffin, University of Western OntarioFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2007

Journal

Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics

Volume

26

Issue

1

First Page

1

Last Page

17

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of personality, confidence, health, and well-being on engagement in daily activities in 199 seniors (mean age 79 years) who were fallers or feared falling. Personality, particularly extroversion, was a major determinant of engagement in activities outside the house (p < 0.001). Within the house, confidence significantly influenced independence and was associated with formal home care provision (p < 0.001). Confidence was influenced by fear (p < 0.001), subjective health (p < 0.001), and personality (p < 0.01). An older adult's personality significantly influences the impact of falling and fear of falling on their lifestyle.

Notes

Published in: Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics, Volume 26, Issue 1, June 2007 , pages 1 - 17. DOI: 10.1300/J148v26n01_01