ACADEMIA Letters
Fall risk, a growing burden of physical injury and mental
health among Seniors: Pandemic of Fears, Anxieties, and
Loneliness in Later life (FALL).
Varalakshmi Manchana
Abstract:
The world is experiencing a great demographic transition with a phenomenal increase in age-
ing population. Family, social transitions brought drastic changes in the family and social life
associated physical and mental health. Fear of falls is one of the major barriers in physical
and social mobility among older adults. Ageism further blocks the need for activity and social
participation among older population. Fear of falls (FOF) predisposes to diminished physical,
social mobility and sense of well-being resulting to increased fall risk, loneliness and associ-
ated health risks among older people. COVID- 19 pandemic aggravated the social restrictions,
mobility and increased fears and anxieties among older population. Evidence identifes that
25% of the older adults experience FOF very often, and 20% of them with activity restriction
due to pain. Regular physical activity and exercise is one of the best strategies to alleviate
physical dependence, promote physical and mental health in seniors.
Keywords: COVID 19 Pandemic, Fear of Falls, Physical activity, Loneliness, Wellbeing
and Older adulthood.
Academia Letters, August 2021
Corresponding Author: Varalakshmi Manchana, varamanchana@gmail.com
Citation: Manchana, V. (2021). Fall risk, a growing burden of physical injury and mental health among Seniors:
Pandemic of Fears, Anxieties, and Loneliness in Later life (FALL). Academia Letters, Article 2753.
https://doi.org/10.20935/AL2753.
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©2021 by the author — Open Access — Distributed under CC BY 4.0