Interface between falls and perceptions of quality of life of older adults: a qualitative study - Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem

Interface between falls and perceptions of quality of life of older adults: a qualitative study |

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

to understand the relationship between falls and perceptions of quality of life among older adults.

Methods:

this is a descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted with older adults in the Family Health Strategy of Itumbiara, Goiás, using Bardin’s content analysis.

Results:

analysis of interviews with 26 older adults revealed four thematic axes: Fall dynamics, circumstances and associated factors; Physical and emotional repercussions of falls; Spirituality and social support network; and Perceptions and suggestions for a safer life. Falls increase older adults’ fragility and vulnerability, affect their health, dependence and functional capacity and tend to be normalized and trivialized by older adults themselves.

Final Considerations:

falls impact older adults’ physical and emotional health. It is necessary to raise awareness about the causes, consequences and prevention of this event, in order to promote healthy and active aging.