Mindfulness, Depression, and Fall Risk in Low-Income Older Adults
Aleeyah Uddeen, Janet Lopez, Renata Komalasari, Manika Petcharat, Veronica Decker, Tatiana Orozco, Ladda Thiamwong
Research in Health and Medicine October 8, 2025 DOI: 10.53520/rdhs2025.104164 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Descriptive cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 103 |
| Population | Low-income, community-dwelling older adults (16 males, 87 females; mean age 75.70 years) |
| Measures | Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), CDC's checklist for elderly accidents and injuries |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness was negatively associated with fall risk and depression positively associated with fall risk; together they explained 31.1% of the variance in fall risk. The authors conclude that mindfulness and depression are predictors of fall risk and suggest mind-body exercises may help lower fall risk in this population. |
Abstract
Introduction: Mindfulness, through mind-body practices, promotes awareness and presence. Its practice, along with reduced depression, may improve balance and lower fall risk in older adults. This study examined the association between mindfulness, depression, and fall risk among low-income, community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 community-dwelling, low-income older adults, including 16 males and 87 females, with a mean age = 75.70 years (95% CI ± 7.19). Mindfulness was assessed with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and fall risk with the CDC’s checklist for elderly accidents and injuries. Multiple regression analysis was conducted.
Results: Mindfulness was negatively correlated with fall risk (r=-.437, p<.001), while depression was positively correlated with fall risk (r=.486, p<.001). These variables explained 31.1% of the variance in fall risk (R² = .311, p < .001). Mindfulness (β = -.262, p =.006) and depression (β = .306, p =.001), respectively, were significantly associated with fall risk.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that mindfulness and depression are predictors of fall risk. Community-dwelling low-income older adults may benefit from mind-body exercises. These exercises can help them become more aware and enhance their mental health, which may lower their risk of falling.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on depression, most cited first.