Experiencias y percepciones sobre las caídas de personas mayores de la comunidad en Chile

Abstract

Falls are a problem of great importance in Public Health, considering their consequences at physical, phycological, emotional, social, and economic level. The aim of this investigation is to analyze the experiences, perceptions and emotions of community-dwelling older adults about falls, emphasizing the contexts where falls produce, the triggering and protective factors. The impact of falls in the autonomy and independence of old people are also explored. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 14 older people between 67 and 77 years old. For this, a qualitative and interpretive phenomenological approach was used, with an intentional convenience sample. Fallers experienced emotions like rage, sadness, frustration, and fear, while non-fallers expressed concern about possible physical injuries, social and economic consequences they could face. In the interviews, extrinsic risk factors were identified related to the accessibility to public and private spaces and the home design. On the other hand, intrinsic risk factors like loss of balance, low levels of attention and coordination were the principal aspects that negatively influence risk of falls. Protective factors such as physical activity, life independently and not exposing to risk were by non-fallers. Understanding the experiences and perceptions of old people is key to the development and application of interventions and strategies in all levels of health care. These preventive measures need to be designed with a person-centered approach, avoiding stereotypes associated with fragility and dependence in old people. Creating accessible and safe environments that facilities the inclusion of older people within the community is vital to moving towards a society that sees the aging process from a human rights perspective.