S. Collison et al., Low level disability in activities of daily living in elderly people living independently: Risk factors and implications, AUSTRAL J A, 18(1), 1999, pp. 38-40
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for low level disa
bility in activities of daily living in elderly people living independently
, and the association with quality of life and accidents.
Design: Cross sectional survey of 334 individuals aged greater than or equa
l to 80 years randomly selected from the electoral roll.
Results: 15.9% of participants had significant disability in at least one o
f the activities of daily living assessed. Risk of disability was associate
d with taking 4 or more medications, female gender, arthritis and a previou
s cerebrovascular event. Those with disabilities had more recent accidents
(67.9% vs. 43.8%, p=0.0001) and poorer quality of life as measured by the S
F 36. Self reporting was a poor method for identifying disabilities (sensit
ivity = 68.5%).
Conclusions: Low level disabilities in activities of daily living are commo
n in elderly people living independently and are associated with lowered qu
ality of life and increased accidents. This highlights the need for a targe
ted screening program to identify such disabilities and examine interventio
ns to minimise them.