FACTORS RELATED TO CARRYING OUT EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE AGED 80

The study was based on an epidemiological model in which performing ac tivities of daily living (ADL) was the dependent variable. Variation i n performing was explained by physical and mental health, and by physi cal performance. The population consisted of all 80-year-old residents (N=291) of the city of Jyvaskyla in central Finland; 90% of them agre ed to take part in the interviews at home, while 72% took part in the laboratory examinations to determine health status and functional capa city.. Difficulties in at least some PADL (Physical Activities of Dail y Living) tasks were reported by 86.5% of the men, and 87.2% of the wo men; none said they could perform all IADL (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) tasks without difficulty. Physical performance (grip st rength and stair mounting test in men, and stair mounting test, balanc e, and upper extremity function test in women) and visual acuity showe d a significant association with ADL performance both in men and in wo men. In addition, depressive symptoms in women, and cognitive capacity in men were associated with both PADL and IADL, and ADL performance, respectively. In the search for pathways to reduced ADL performance, i t is important to look not only at chronic dis eases but also at the a ging processes as well as the disabilities caused by inactivity. Tests of cognitive capacity, psychological well-being and physical performa nce provide valuable information on the factors that underlie the aged individual's reduced functional capacity.