Published on: May 22, 2025
A new study from Imperial College London and Coventry University highlights a strong link between older adults’ attitudes toward aging and their physical recovery after a fall. Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, this is the first study to emphasize the significant role psychological factors may play in post-fall recovery.
Falls among older adults are a major public health concern, often leading to serious disability, hospitalizations, and reduced independence. These incidents cost the NHS an estimated £5 million per day. However, not all older adults experience the same degree of decline after a fall, prompting researchers to investigate why some recover more effectively than others.
The study revealed that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging—such as believing that age doesn’t limit their ability to enjoy life—were much less likely to face physical difficulties or need help with daily activities after a fall.
Using data from nearly 700 adults aged 60 to 90 across England, who had not previously fallen, researchers collected responses about participants' beliefs and attitudes toward aging. They then tracked those who experienced a fall in the following year and measured their recovery through walking speed, need for assistance with daily tasks, and levels of physical activity.
Those with more positive attitudes about aging were significantly more likely to recover well. Importantly, these results held true regardless of age, gender, depression status, or physical condition before the fall. The findings also factored in whether or not the fall caused injury.
For example, participants with the highest positive aging mindset scores had:
162% lower odds of slow walking speed,
200% lower odds of becoming dependent on others for daily tasks, and
123% lower odds of becoming physically inactive after a fall, compared to those with the lowest scores.
Dr. Toby Ellmers of Imperial College London, co-lead of the study, explained:
Older adults who felt more positively about aging appeared to be protected from the more severe physical consequences of a fall. The differences in recovery rates were strongly linked to initial attitudes toward aging."
Dr. Mathew Hill, co-lead from Coventry University, added:
While prior research has shown that negative views on aging increase the risk of poor health outcomes like stroke and mortality, this is the first study to specifically connect those views to recovery from falls.
Dr. Ellmers emphasized the potential for practical applications:
Our findings suggest that helping older adults adopt a more positive view of aging could meaningfully support their physical recovery and overall wellbeing. Even simple steps—like encouraging conversations about the benefits of aging—could be impactful. We’re eager to explore these interventions in future studies.
The researchers noted that while the study controlled for injury occurrence, it didn’t assess the specific severity of the falls. Additionally, the study does not establish causality. Future research aims to investigate whether shifting negative perceptions about aging can actively help prevent physical decline after a fall.
Source: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/264333/positive-mindset-about-ageing-over-60s-linked/
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