Predicting perceived recovered activity in older people after a fall

Purpose: Fall injury represents a common cause of disability in older people. Much research in this area ignores the importance of psycho-social factors in recovery from a fall. Method: Data were collected from a sample of 40 people (≥ 65 years) admitted to hospital as a result of a fall. Details included: the fall event; causal beliefs; psychological impact; history of falls; pre-fall activity; general health; and beliefs concerning recovery, including efficacy and affective beliefs. After 2 months, participants were recontacted by letter and completed a questionnaire assessing perceived residual levels of disability (65% response). Results: Results indicated that beliefs that the fall was due to external causes and was preventable were each associated with higher perceived recovered activity, even when controlling for pre-fall activity, health status and fall injury. Conclusion: The implications of these findings are discussed with regard to promoting recovery after a fall in older people.