Fall Risk in Older Adults Roles of Self-Rated Vision, Home Modifications, and Limb Function

Objectives: To assess direct effects of self-rated vision, home modifications, and limb functioning, and moderating effects of self-rated vision on change in functioning of upper and lower limbs on fall risk in older adults. Method: Logistic regression was used to analyze 2004 and 2006 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Results: Effects of self-rated vision and home modifications in predicting falls decreased after controlling functioning in upper and lower extremities. Declines/gains in functioning across short periods of time superseded self-rated vision in predicting falls. No evidence was found for a moderating effect of vision status on limb functioning. Discussion: Poor self-rated vision may not be a good indicator of fall risk in older adults. Thus, for older adults with visual impairments, preserving residual limb functioning through exercise and activity has the important potential to reduce fall risk in addition to improving muscle and bone strength as well as improving balance and gait.