Gender Differences in Falls and Mobility Patterns of Older Adults

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization among older adults. Previous research has identified risk factors for falls, including physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. Ideally, fall prevention would be based on a personalized fall management plan specific to the circumstances of the falls, including consideration of a tailored exercise program, assistive device prescription, environmental modification, or protective gear. However, a personalized approach may be resource intensive. An alternative and feasible strategy would be to customize the program based on factors such as gender, and health status. Previous studies have found sex-based factors associated with falls, including differences in reaction time, muscle strength and limb joint range of motion. When compared to women, older men are more sedentary and have lower social participation, which are associated with mobility disability. Men more often fall from slipping while outdoors and at greater levels of activity. Women tend to fall more often due to trips, and more often during standing and walking. Meanwhile, participation in physical activity programs is generally higher in women. Considering the rapid growth of the aging population, understanding gender differences in falling mechanisms and exercise participation may inform better prevention strategies for older men and women.

This Special Issue aims to summarize original research articles and reviews that explore the topics related to falls, fall-related injury, and mobility patterns in older men and women. We seek to further understand how physiological and behavioral differences between men and women may cause them to fall differently or suffer different consequences from falls. We are also interested in understanding differences in physical activity levels, movement patterns, and participation and adherence to the intervention programs.

We warmly welcome a series of original research, review, synthesis, and systematic review articles from researchers in the field, covering a broad range of topics including, but not limited to:

● Current epidemiology of falls in various regions and populations worldwide, with a focus on gender differences.
● Gender related factors that influence falling mechanisms.
● Fall-related injuries and other consequences in men and women.
● Gender differences in daily movement patterns.
● Exercise participation and adherence compared between men and women.
● Acceptance and adherence to fall prevention programs in men and women.
● Strategies to enhance participation and effectiveness of interventions in men and women.