Relationships Between the Community Environment,Physical Activity,and Fall Risk in Low-Income Older Adults

Abstract

Falls and physical inactivity are major public health concerns affecting older adults’ well-being. Regular physical activity (PA) can reduce fall risk, yet extreme heat and poor walkability may limit activity. Using data from 250 low-income older adults (LOAs) in Orlando, Florida, we examined how PA and community environmental factors (CEFs) influence fall risk and how CEFs affect PA. Fall risk was measured with the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) fall risk checklist. PA was monitored continuously with FitBit devices for 6 months. CEFs included urban heat island (UHI), walk score, and social vulnerability index. Results indicate physically active LOAs had lower fall risk than inactive counterparts. Higher walkability was linked to lower fall risk, while UHI was not significantly related. LOAs in socially vulnerable communities had lower PA levels. Findings suggest promoting PA and improving senior community environment may help reduce fall risk and enhance LOAs’ health.