Aging Clinical and Experimental Research· 2026Q1
“I’ve been living in the shadows”: Experiences and perceptions of the fear of falling among older adults with T2DM in an inpatient endocrinology setting in China – A qualitative descriptive study
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- 2026year
Short summary
Older adults with T2DM fear fall consequences more than falling itself, driven by diabetes-specific factors, and report unmet needs for personalized support.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Fear of falling in older adults with T2DM is multidimensional, focusing on consequences like injury and loss of independence.
- Diabetes-specific factors, such as poor glycemic control and neuropathy, significantly contribute to the fear of falling.
- Participants expressed a critical unmet need for personalized support, education, and psychological interventions.
- Current standardized support is insufficient for addressing the complex needs of this population.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) face a high risk of falls. Fear of Falling (FoF), a debilitating psychological concern, can further restrict activity and worsen health outcomes. However, a deep understanding of the experience of FoF in this specific population remains limited. To explore the perceptions, experiences, and needs regarding FoF among older adults with T2DM. A qualitative descriptive study. Sixteen older adults with T2DM were purposively recruited from an inpatient endocrinology department in mainland China. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three key themes emerged: (1) Beneath the Shadows: The Multidimensional Nature of Fear—Fear of Consequences Rather Than the Fall Itself; (2) Unveiling the Shadows: Diabetes-Specific Factors Driving the Fear; (3) Seeking Light in the Shadows: Unmet Needs for Personalized Support. FoF in older adults with T2DM is a multifaceted concern rooted in the intersection of chronic disease and aging. Participants in this study expressed a significant gap between their complex needs and the standardized support they received. A shift towards person-centered care, integrating personalized education, psychological support, and environmental adaptations, may be crucial to effectively address this fear.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and RehabilitationHealth Professions