Still others talked about fear of falling and not feeling safe. Safety therefore became

an issue for participants while at home and in the community. One man said, "I don't feel

safe because the people there run around. And I don't feel safe because I sit in a corer,

and I tell you, they can trip you over." and another stated "I didn't feel safe 'cause I

didn't know if I was goin' to fall or what."

 Participants characterizing fear of falling often talked about the fear of sustaining

future fall related injuries. Some made the following comments: "Ummm ... I worry

because there have been times where I have tripped and nailed myself" and "I'm afraid

to. I'll lose my balance. That's a long ways down. The fall wouldn't hurt you, it's just the

sudden stop (laughs) ... That ground's hard. Like I say that fall ain't gonna hurt ya."

 Of most concern were hip fractures and head injuries. For example, some stated,

"Cause once you fall, could break a hip" and "I think it's falling like it it's it's falling, all

the time that's your worst fear, it's falling and you might hurt or break a leg, or or or or

you might uhh break a hip or something, I think you're more conscious of it yeah."

Participants described genuine concern about being hurt after sustaining a fall and the

subsequent impact on function, one commented, "Uh huh, it worries me; I can fall and

hurt myself bad, or hit my head and make it worse than it is."

 Those who discussed a fear of falling tended to discuss fears and concerns related

to falls, future falls, and safety issues. While many participants specifically and openly

discussed fear of falling, many others only admitted to concerns about balance and

stability, not addressing actual fear. Those who communicated fears about future falls

were also likely to discuss fear of future injuries. For these individuals, the fear of falling,

and the prevention of falls often became a part of everyday life.