Linkages of quality of life with falls and injuries among older people in India

Abstract

Falls and injuries and their consequences impact people’s quality of life (QoL), especially in older people. This study assesses the level of falls, injuries, and QoL and examines the linkages of QoL with falls, and injuries among older people in India. The study used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, Wave-I (2017-18). Univariate, bivariate, and ordered logistic regression analyses were performed for analysis. The study reveals that 13% and 14% of older adults experienced major falls and injuries, with 40% experienced low and 30% each experienced medium, and high QoL. The results suggest that older people with no self-care had higher major falls (21.7%) and injuries (22.6%), while those who could not perform their usual activities had higher major falls (17.3%) and injuries (18.4%). Ordered logistic regression results showed that older people with minor and major falls were 30% and 39%, respectively, less likely to have higher QoL. Older people with injuries were 35% less likely to have higher QoL. This study’s findings suggest that falls and injuries were crucial factors in reducing the QoL of older people. The findings indicate the importance of improving the QoL of older people by reducing the risk of experiencing falls and injuries.