The relationship between social exclusion and loneliness with balance, falls and, quality of life in community-dwelling elderly individuals

Balance disorders and falls represent significant problems in the elderly population, with underlying causes that include both physical health conditions and psychosocial factors. The present study aimed to examine the relationships of social exclusion and loneliness with balance impairment and falls, and their subsequent impact on quality of life. The sample consisted of 432 older adults aged 65–95 years. The Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment (TBGA), Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), Social Exclusion Scale for the Elderly (SESE), Loneliness Scale for the Elderly (LSE), and WHOQOL-OLD were used as data collection tools. SESE and LSE were negatively and weakly associated with TBGA (r = -0.205 and -0.328, respectively) and negatively associated with WHOQOL-OLD (r = -0.156 and -0.261, respectively). SESE and LSE were positively and weakly associated with FES-I (r = 0.342 and 0.317, respectively) ( p < 0.001 for all). Linear regression analyses showed that TBGA was the strongest predictor of LSE, whereas FES-I was the strongest predictor of SESE (R 2 = 0.106 and 0.115, respectively). These associations remained largely unchanged after adjustment for age, gender, education level, and alcohol use. Loneliness and social exclusion have a significant impact on falls, balance problems, and quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial factors and implementing social support interventions as part of strategies to improve physical health and fall-related outcomes in the elderly.