Cognitive functioning and the probability of falls among seniors in Havana, Cuba

Authors

Antonio J. Trujillo, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Adnan A. Hyder, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthFollow
Laura C. Steinhardt, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Journal

International Journal of Aging and Human Development

Volume

73

Issue

2

DOI

10.2190/AG.73.2.d

Abstract

This article explores the connection between cognitive functioning and falls among seniors (≥60 years of age) in Havana, Cuba, after controlling for observable characteristics. Using the SABE (Salud, Bienestar, and Envejecimiento) cross-sectional database, we used an econometric strategy that takes advantage of available information to reduce the endogeneity problem of cognitive functioning and the individual probability of falling. Our findings suggest that memory scores and cognitive functioning impacts the probability of falling-even after controlling for demographics, socioeconomic status, existence of chronic non-communicable conditions, vision/hearing capacity, and baseline health. Monitoring elderly with low cognitive functioning may be a cost-effective way to reduce the economic burden of falls. © 2011, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.

APA Citation

Trujillo, A., Hyder, A., & Steinhardt, L. (2011). Cognitive functioning and the probability of falls among seniors in Havana, Cuba. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 73 (2). http://dx.doi.org/10.2190/AG.73.2.d