Excess Body Weight Is Associated with Fall Risk Among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with various degenerative changes in bodily functions, which may increase the risk of health problems, particularly falls. Excess body weight is one of the primary contributors to fall incidents among older adults, as it negatively affects postural stability and balance. This study examines the relationship between excess body weight and fall risk among older adults in Labasari Village, Karangasem.
Methods: This study employed an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach, conducted in October 2022. Eighty-two older adults aged 60–75 in Labasari Village participated as subjects. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling.
Results: Spearman’s rho correlation test was used to analyze the association between excess body weight and fall risk. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between excess body weight and fall risk (p = 0.000, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a significant relationship between excess body weight and the risk of falls among older adults in Labasari Village, Karangasem.

Keywords: excess body weight, fall risk, older adults