A longitudinal study of disability in activities of daily living and activity restriction‐induced fear of falling among Korean older people

AIM: This study examined the effects of the fear of falling (FOF) alone and fear‐associated activity restriction (FAR) on future activities of daily living (ADL) disability and analysed predictors of ADL disability among community‐dwelling older people with and without FAR. DESIGN: This prospective study involved secondary data analysis of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. METHODS: We obtained data from 5074 community‐dwelling older adults. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify the predictors of changes in ADL disability between 2008 and 2018. RESULTS: Compared with FOF alone, FAR was significantly related to changes in ADL disability. Being older, living with others and having poor self‐rated health status were associated with future ADL disability in participants without FAR. Weakened grip strength and social engagement were associated with future ADL disability in those with FAR. Nurses must consider the impact of FAR on future ADL decline and implement tailored interventions. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution.