College Mapping the Research Landscape of Falls in Older Adults: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Aging poses a significant public health concern due to the high incidence of falls among older adults. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 6815 studies from 1842 to 2022 to identify key areas and interactions in falls research among older adults and propose future research directions. The United States was found to be actively contributing to this field, with the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Boston, MA being a prominent institution. Notable authors included Lord SR, Kenny RA, and Stevens JA. The most cited paper was "Risk Factors for Falls among Elderly Persons Living in the Community". The study revealed that the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society was the most active journal. Co-occurrence analysis identified five major clusters of topics related to aging and falls. Despite global research activity, collaboration across country lines, especially between developed and developing countries, was lacking. Research on risk factors, particularly related to balance and gait issues, received significant attention. However, there was insufficient focus on addressing the diverse needs of aging individuals, including cultural and socioeconomic factors.