Feasibility of Aktiv Gegen Sturzangst (AGES) in Assisted Living Facilities

Aktiv Gegen Sturzangst (AGES) is a multicomponent group intervention combining cognitive behavioral therapy and structured exercise to address fear of falling in older adults receiving services from assisted living facilities. This single-arm, non-randomized pilot study evaluated the feasibility of implementing AGES in three assisted living facilities in Switzerland and the feasibility of study procedures and outcome measures for a future controlled trial. Nineteen older adults participated in eight weekly group sessions delivered by trained course leaders. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, course-leader deployment, protocol adherence, completion of clinical outcome measures, and feasibility of contactless LiDAR-based gait assessment.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 65 years or older * Receiving some level of care or services through a participating assisted living facility * Identified by facility staff as potentially experiencing fear of falling or expressing interest in a fall-prevention program * Able to participate safely in group sessions Exclusion Criteria: * Moderate to severe neurocognitive disorder * Unstable psychiatric illness, including an acute depressive episode or substance use disorder * Physical limitations precluding safe participation in group sessions, including blindness, severe frailty, wheelchair dependence, or requirement for full mobility assistance