Outdoor Falls Survey Summary of Results

Abstract

Around a third of people aged over 65 fall over every year, impacting on health, lifestyles and daily mobilities. Existing research demonstrates relationships between the built environment, physical activity and health, but relatively little research focusses on the environmental context for outdoor falls. We conducted an online questionnaire targeted at people aged over 50 in the Greater Christchurch region during August and September 2018 using map-based online survey tool, Maptionnaire. This tool allowed respondents to place points on a map where they had fallen, or experienced positive or negative walking environments. The majority of the respondents are active, but nevertheless, 35% of respondents had fallen over in the previous year. Even more fear falling, particularly on uneven or slippery surfaces. Despite concerns around the built environment, only 2 respondents had reported issues to the council. Low levels of reporting, show that more could be done to build an evidence base on the quality of the walking environment, particularly for older adults who fear falling.