Adults aging into disability describe barriers to community fall-prevention exercise
In interviews, 11 adults aged 50+ with self-reported mobility, vision or hearing impairment said stigma and poor fit kept them from community fall-prevention exercise programs. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The study interviewed 11 adults aged 50 and older with self-reported mobility, vision or hearing impairment about community fall-prevention exercise programs. [1]
Participants named stigma, program misalignment and self-stereotyping as deterrents to participation. [1]
The authors suggest that co-designed, inclusive, flexible and identity-affirming programs might support participation. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Qualitative descriptive interview study (abstract).
- Population / context
- 11 adults aged 50 and older who self-reported a mobility, vision or hearing impairment (mean age 69.8 years).
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- October 5, 2026
Interviews with 11 adults aging into disability
This qualitative descriptive study asked about participation in community-based fall-prevention exercise programs. It included 11 people aged 50 and older who self-reported a mobility, vision or hearing impairment; their mean age was 69.8 years. Semi-structured interviews were held virtually and explored influences at several levels. The authors used a Health Equity Framework and thematic analysis.
Supporting source [1]
Stigma and poor fit deter participation
Four themes emerged: solutions for lack of awareness, access and advertising; interconnected barriers that worsen accessibility; disability experiences; and program design challenges and solutions. Participants described accessibility as multidimensional, covering physical, sensory, logistical and financial factors. Stigma, programs that did not fit them, and self-stereotyping deterred participation.
Supporting source [1]
Identity gap and changing disability as challenges
The authors conclude that adults aging into disability do not identify with community fall-prevention exercise programs, because of the stigma that such programs are for those who are weak. They add that the changing nature of disability makes it harder to accept limitations while aging. They suggest that co-designed, inclusive, flexible and identity-affirming programs might support participation and health equity.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This qualitative study of 11 self-selected participants cannot show how common these views are or whether redesigned programs would increase participation.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Latiff A, Klicnik I, Bouchard DR, Dogra S. · europepmc.org · October 5, 2026