Jordan Medical Journal · Feb 2026
Evaluating Fall Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Aged 65 and Over
By Altuntaş V, Karagöz A, Muluk SY
Background and Aims: Falls are a major public health concern among older adults, leading to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for falls by investigating demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics in a cohort of community-dwelling elderly individuals. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study of 191 older adults (≥65 years) was conducted in an outpatient physiatry clinic. The participants were divided into two groups: those with a history of falls (n=83) and those without (n=108). Demographic characteristics, handgrip strength, mobility (Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)), activities of daily living (Barthel Index (BI) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)), and cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)) were collected. Logistic regression identified fall predictors, and analyses explored the relationships between risk factors, including cut-off points. Results: Fallers were significantly older (mean age 77.75 vs. 70.46 years) and more likely to be female (63.9% vs. 36.1%) (p<0.05). Illiteracy (p<0.05) and widowhood (p=0.04) were also associated with falls. Fallers had lower grip strength, longer TUG times, lower Tinetti, BI, IADL, MMSE scores, and higher GDS scores, indicating impaired strength, gait, balance, functional independence, and increased cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms (p<0.05). Aging was associated with poor mobility, balance, mood, function, and cognition. Stronger grip was associated with better balance and cognition. Cut-off values for increased fall risk were: age >73 years, TUG time >19 seconds, Tinetti <21, GDS >21, IADL <6, BI <90, MMSE <21. Conclusion: Falls in the elderly are linked to age, sex, mobility impairments, depression, and functional and cognitive decline. Comprehensive geriatric assessments can help prevent falls and improve the quality of life.