“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

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 ↗