Blue Zone Your Memory No. 40: Fear of Falling

 Sometimes the fear of falling decreases our confidence to pursue independent activity, which increases frailty and the possibility of falling (University of Lausanne, Switzerland, 2011). Using a fall self-efficacy scale this university’s research revealed that exercise and cognitive behavioral training lessened the need for older adults to self-impose activity restriction.  This research reveals the importance of partnering exercise with education, sensory correction, environmental adaptation, and addressing the psychological fears and factors that impair balance confidence as a holistic and integrative treatment plan for fall prevention.