Authors
- van Didović – Specialist Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Dr. Žarko Šunjić, Krk, Croatia
- Vanja Vasiljev Marchesi – University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Public Health, Rijeka, Croatia
- Vanja Vasiljev Marchesi – University of Rijeka, School of Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Rijeka, Croatia
- Tomislav Rukavina – University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Public Health, Rijeka, Croatia
- Tomislav Rukavina – University of Rijeka, School of Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Rijeka, Croatia
- Tomislav Rukavina – Public Health Institute of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Rijeka, Croatia
- Lovorka Bilajac – University of Rijeka, School of Medicine, Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Rijeka, Croatia
- Lovorka Bilajac – Public Health Institute of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Opatija Branch, Opatija, Croatia
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Falls and injuries related to falls largely occur in the older population, and significantly affect the quality of life of older people. The purpose of this research is to show the incidence of falls and connect them with the quality of life in the older population. The study conducted by a questionnaire included 193 respondents, of whom 116 women and 77 men. Respondents were asked about the frequency of falls in the last 12 months and whether they were concerned about the possibility of falling while performing the daily activities. According to the research results, it was found that nearly one-third of the respondents experienced a fall confirming the high incidence of falls in the older age. The majority of respondents, who confirmed the falls, are women, suggesting that female population falls more often. According to the processed data from the questionnaires that included questions about the quality of life, the respondents point to certain difficulties in the aforementioned activities. By asking about their own health assessment, which can best describe their own sense of health and the personal quality of life, the respondents assessed their personal health as good. The results of this research can find their place in the public health programs, such as prevention of falls and improving the quality of life in the older population. Promotion and education of healthy habits, such as moderate physical activity in older people, are the basic prerequisites for long-term improvement of the quality of life in the older population.
Keywords:
falls, quality of life, questionnaire, older population.