Purpose: This study was performed to examine the associations of fall experiences with cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) disability among older adults. Methods: Using raw data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans, a total of 9,816 individuals aged 65 years or older were included in the analysis. Independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, linear regression, and logistic regression analyses were conducted for statistical evaluation. Additionally, subgroup regression analyses were conducted to identify socially vulnerable groups according to age group, education level, and caregiving expenses. Results: The analysis showed that cognitive function tended to be lower in individuals with fall experience. (β=-0.44, p=.026), and the odds of ADL disability were higher among individuals with fall experience than among those without (odds ratio OR=2.04, 95% confidence interval 95% CI=1.63~2.54). In addition, subgroup analyses showed that cognitive function was lower among individuals with fall experience in the ≥85 years group (β=-1.30, p=.020) and among those with education at elementary school or below (β=-0.88, p=.001). The odds of ADL disability among those with fall experience (vs. no fall experience) were significantly elevated in the 65~74 age group (OR=2.80; 95% CI=1.99~3.94) and the ≥85 age group (OR=2.59; 95% CI=1.38~4.84). Higher odds were also observed among those with higher education (OR=4.95; 95% CI=1.19~20.60) and those with no caregiving expenses (OR=2.06; 95% CI=1.63~2.60). Conclusion: These findings provide important foundational data for both policy development and academic research. They highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to fall prevention and underscore its importance in enhancing the quality of life for the older adults.
Lee et al. (Fri,) studied this question.