Assessing Older Adults’ Readiness for Adopting Fall Prevention Recommendations Using the Transtheoretical Stages of Change

Authors

Janice Mark, University of San FranciscoFollow
Ankita HenryFollow
Briana Moreland, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFollow
Dawson Dobash, Oak Ridge Institue for Science and Education (ORISE)Follow
Gwendolyn Bergen, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 2025

Abstract

Objectives: Reducing fall risk requires older adults (age 65+) to adopt effective prevention strategies. This study has three aims: 1) understand Stage of Change (SOC) for three fall prevention strategies; 2) determine strategies older adults’ use; and 3) understand which characteristics relate to readiness to take action.

Methods: A survey of 1063 older adults assessed fall risk, SOC, and use of fall prevention strategies. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Results: The most common SOC for older adults by strategy was action for overall fall prevention (61%), contemplation for medication management (45%) and preparation and action for strength/balance (29% each). Believing falls are preventable was most strongly related to being in a Change stage (e.g., action, maintenance) for overall fall prevention (Risk Ratio: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.7).

Discussion: Health promotion can focus on increasing knowledge of evidence-based fall prevention strategies to encourage older adults to take action.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648241289933

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7276-6871

Recommended Citation

Mark, J. A., Henry, A., Moreland, B., Dobash, D., & Bergen, G. (2025). Assessing Older Adults’ Readiness for Adopting Fall Prevention Recommendations Using the Transtheoretical Stages of Change. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 44(5), 726-736.