The most common factors hindering the independent functioning of the elderly at home by age and sex

D. Talarska, S. Kropińska, M. Strugała, M. Szewczyczak, S. Tobis, K. Wieczorowska-Tobis

Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan’, Poland. pati.talarska@neostrada.pl

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• Geriatrics

OBJECTIVE: Changes occurring with increased age as well progressive illnesses can negatively affect the independent functioning of older people. The goal of this study was to identify the most common problems that make independent life at home more difficult for the elderly and to try and present their relation with age and gender.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 506 persons over 60 years of age took part in the study. They were residents of Poznań, Poland and surrounding areas. The research instruments were the Abbreviated Mental Test Score and EASY-Care Standard 2010 questionnaire which makes it possible to analyze patient’s functioning in seven areas and includes three risk scales: Independence score, Risk of breakdown in care, Risk of falls.

RESULTS: In the group studied the greatest difficulties included performing complex activities of everyday life connected with moving around (III area), difficulties with performing household tasks (50.8%), shopping (39.7%) and falls (35.0%). The most frequently reported symptom that was a cause of worry was pain (68.2%). Other health problems reported included sleep disorders (58.9%), incorrect body weight (52.6%), low tolerance of physical effort (48.4%), urethral sphincter functioning disorder (42.7%) and forgetfulness (40.5%). The feeling of being lonely was found in 45.8% of older people.

CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in functioning between the genders were found in the areas of meal preparation, falls, mobility outside the home, not feeling safe, lack of physical activity, low tolerance of physical effort and almost all of area VII – Mental health and well-being. The main determinants of risk scores with the Independence Score, Risk of breakdown in care and Risk of fall domains were age and subjective feelings of pain.

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