ASSESSMENT OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN ULTRAOCTAGENERIANS

Among the age-related problems, a progressive loss of self-sufficiency is an important issue. We conducted a detailed analysis on 400 ultrao ctagenarians to detect the most frequent deficits and needs. Our study series consisted of 168 males and 232 females, grouped into age class es. This sample was collected over a 4 year period in old peoples' hom es, private homes and hospitals. We utilized activity of daily living (ADL), instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) and mini mental st ate examination (MMSE) scales to evaluate self-sufficiency of the elde rly people. Complete self-sufficiency was observed in a very small per centage of the sample, whereas most of the impairments was present in memory, in drug intake and diet. We conclude that social efforts must be aimed at creating a policy which recognizes the need for family car e of ultraoctagenarians and grants incentives to achieve this goal.