ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
Background: Participation in recreational physical activity is identified as one of the crucial factors that promotes maintenance of healthy lifestyle among older adults. However, risk of falling is a serious limiting factor to engage in physical activities among people over 65 years of age. Hence, the purpose of this study is to identify factors contributing to fall risk among Malaysian older adults. Method: A total of 212 participants were recruited from designated zones in peninsular Malaysia. Each participant was subjected to a balancing protocol for assessment of overall stability index, and a fall risk documentation form was administered to acquire selected socio-demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine variables that contribute to fall risk. Results: Study identified four variables that contributed to risks of falling among Malaysian older adults: (i) medical condition [OR=10.63; p=0.014], (ii) mobility limitation [OR=5.94; p=0.019], (iii) participants’ age [OR=1.36; p=0.001], and (iv) sensory deficit [OR=0.27; p=0.011]. Conclusion: It is recommended that any planning of recreational activities for Malaysian geriatric population must consider these four variables to ensure their safe participation. Future studies should investigate other social and environmental factors that might also contribute to fall risks among the older adults in Malaysia.
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In-Text Citation: (Zawi et al., 2021)
To Cite this Article: Zawi, M. K., Koh, D., & Azhar, A. H. (2021). Identifying Fall Risk Factors Influencing Malaysian Older Adults Prior to Engaging in Healthy Lifestyle Activities. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(12), 1436–1448.
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