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Functional limitations as potential mediators of the effects of self-reported vision status on fall risk of older adults.

Steinman BA, Allen SM, Chen J, Pynoos J. Functional limitations as potential mediators of the effects of self-reported vision status on fall risk of older adults. Journal of aging and health. 2015 Feb 1; 27(1):158-76.

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Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To test whether limitations in mobility and large-muscle functioning mediate self-reported vision status to increase fall risk among respondents age 65 and above. METHOD: This study used two waves from the Health and Retirement Study. We conducted binary logistic and negative binomial regression analyses to test indirect paths leading from self-reported vision status to falls, via indices of mobility and large-muscle functioning. RESULTS: Limited evidence was found for a mediating effect among women; however, large-muscle groups were implicated as partially mediating risk factors for falls among men with fair self-reported vision status. DISCUSSION: Implications of these findings are discussed including the need for prioritizing improved muscle strength of older men and women with poor vision as a preventive measure against falls.




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