Abstract
While numerous global exercise interventions have demonstrated efficacy in preventing falls among older adults, their direct application in Kerala’s sociocultural context remains limited. The unique characteristics of Kerala’s aging population call for an evaluation of gaps in the suitability and sustainability of existing programs.
To identify and critically analyze the cultural, logistical, psychological, and structural gaps in existing falls prevention programs, particularly in relation to their applicability to community-dwelling elderly in Kerala.
A narrative synthesis was conducted based on a scoping review and gap analysis embedded within the primary research. Thematic analysis and matrix mapping approaches were employed to align global intervention components against Kerala’s contextual needs.
The review identified five major categories of gaps: cultural inappropriateness, lack of psychological focus, low feasibility, affordability constraints, and underrepresentation of Kerala’s elderly in research. Programs like Otago, Tai Chi, and FaME were poorly suited to local dress codes, language barriers, and social environments. Moreover, most interventions neglected fear of falling, self-efficacy, or social isolation—critical issues in this demographic.
Bridging the disconnect between evidence-based practice and contextual realities in Kerala requires culturally attuned, linguistically localized, and community-integrated interventions. Kerala’s demographic trends demand urgent, tailored solutions grounded in both global evidence and local cultural dynamics.
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