Guangzhou Community Elderly Fall Prevention Appropriate Technology Promotion Project

Guangzhou Community Elderly Fall Prevention Appropriate Technology Promotion Project

This Guangzhou-based project uses a randomized controlled trial to test home environment modifications (e.g., anti-slip mats, lighting) for preventing falls among 320 community-dwelling elders. Over 12 months, it assesses effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and scalability, with rigorous quality control and multi-level stakeholder collaboration.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 60 and 80 years old (inclusive).
• Community-dwelling.
• Planning to reside at the current address for the next 12 months.
• Able to walk 50 meters unaided (can use a cane).
• Experienced one or more falls in the past 2 years, OR Is "very worried" or "somewhat worried" about falling (even without a fall history).
• Willing to participate in the 12-month fall prevention program and follow-up assessments.
• Possesses basic literacy skills (equivalent to elementary school level or above) and is capable of normal communication with the investigators, as judged by the staff.
• In a stable health condition to participate, as determined by the investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having an acute disease or an acute episode of a chronic disease.
• Having hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments, or self-reported neurological or psychiatric diseases (e.g., epilepsy, dementia) that prevent normal communication and learning.
• Self-reported serious diseases (e.g., cardiac, cerebral, renal, hepatic, respiratory, or hematologic systems) and judged by a doctor or on-site assessor as intolerant to physical activity.
• Diagnosed with conditions that explicitly affect balance function (e.g., vestibular disorders, cerebellar system lesions, vertigo, Ménière's disease).
• Requires a wheelchair or assistance from another person to walk.
• Likely to move away from the current residence or be absent for an extended period within the next 6 months.
• Unwilling to accept the 12-month follow-up.