The contribution of behaviour to falls among older people in and around the home

This thesis examines the contribution of behaviour to falls among older people in and around the home. Falls are an extensive problem, with the scale of this set to worsen in line with the increasing older population. Risk factors for falls have received much attention during recent years, although little emphasis has been given to the role of behaviour in falls risk. It is argued in the thesis that older people play an active role in their exposure to risk, influenced by their attitudes, beliefs and motivations. This aspect has received only limited consideration. The research consisted of five studies. The first three investigations used a triangulated approach to examine the contribution and role of older people's behaviour, physical ability and home environment design in fall risk. The fourth study considered the role of health practitioners in fall prevention and investigated barriers to successful interventions. The final study examined the contribution of a health psychology framework to understanding fall-related behaviour among older people. [Continues.]