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Journal of Aging and Health
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Fall Risk in Older Adults

Roles of Self-Rated Vision, Home Modifications, and Limb Function

Bernard A. Steinman, MS

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, bsteinma{at}usc.edu

Jon Pynoos, PhD

University of Southern California, Los Angeles

Anna Q. D. Nguyen, OTD

University of Southern California, Los Angeles

Objectives: To assess direct effects of self-rated vision, home modifications, and limb functioning, and moderating effects of self-rated vision on change in functioning of upper and lower limbs on fall risk in older adults. Method: Logistic regression was used to analyze 2004 and 2006 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Results: Effects of self-rated vision and home modifications in predicting falls decreased after controlling functioning in upper and lower extremities. Declines/gains in functioning across short periods of time superseded self-rated vision in predicting falls. No evidence was found for a moderating effect of vision status on limb functioning. Discussion: Poor self-rated vision may not be a good indicator of fall risk in older adults. Thus, for older adults with visual impairments, preserving residual limb functioning through exercise and activity has the important potential to reduce fall risk in addition to improving muscle and bone strength as well as improving balance and gait.

Key Words: falls • vision loss • limb function • home modification • older adults

This version was published on August 1, 2009

Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 21, No. 5, 655-676 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0898264309338295
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