Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Disability and Functional Limitation among Elderly Rural Population in NigeriaAbdulraheem, I. S.;Oladipo, A. R.;Amodu, M. O.
doi: 10.4061/2011/369894pmid: 21748005
<i>Background</i>. The number of people surviving into old age is increasing, and it has now become a global phenomenon. Studies on the prevalence and correlates of physical disability and functional limitation among elderly Nigerians are scanty. <i>Methodology</i>. This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in 3 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, using a multistage sampling technique. Functional limitations of 1824 elderly persons were tested using Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment tool (TPOMAT) and self-reported activities of daily living (ADL). ADL disability of ten, six, and five basic items were compared. <i>Results</i>. The prevalence ratios (PRs) of physical disability using the ten, six, and five basic ADL items were 28.3 (95% CI 25.2–31. 5), 15.7 (95% CI 13.4–19.8), and 12.1 (95% CI 9.8–15.3), respectively, while functional limitation was 22.5 (95% CI 18.1–24.4). Increased risk of disability was independently associated with female gender PR 3.6 (95% CI 1.5–7.4), advanced age ≥75 years; PR 22.2 (95% CI 14.5, 36.8), arthritis PR 3.7 (95% CI 2.6–4.6), stroke PR 4.8 (95% CI 3.7–7.9) and diabetes PR 6.1 (95% CI 4.3–7.1).
<i>Conclusions</i>. The findings from this study are pointers to unmet needs of the elderly disabled Nigerians.
The Urban Built Environment and Mobility in Older Adults: A Comprehensive ReviewRosso, Andrea L. ;Auchincloss, Amy H. ;Michael, Yvonne L.
doi: 10.4061/2011/816106pmid: 21766033
Mobility restrictions in older adults are common and increase the likelihood of negative health outcomes and premature mortality. The effect of built environment on mobility in older populations, among whom environmental effects may be strongest, is the focus of a growing body of the literature. We reviewed recent research (1990–2010) that examined associations of objective measures of the built environment with mobility and disability in adults aged 60 years or older. Seventeen empirical articles were identified. The existing literature suggests that mobility is associated with higher street connectivity leading to shorter pedestrian distances, street and traffic conditions such as safety measures, and proximity to destinations such as retail establishments, parks, and green spaces. Existing research is limited by differences in exposure and outcome assessments and use of cross-sectional study designs. This research could lead to policy interventions that allow older adults to live more healthy and active lives in their communities.
Demographic Profile of Older Adults Using Wheeled Mobility DevicesKarmarkar, Amol M.;Dicianno, Brad E.;Cooper, Rosemarie;Collins, Diane M.;Matthews, Judith T.;Koontz, Alicia;Teodorski, Emily E.;Cooper, Rory A.
doi: 10.4061/2011/560358pmid: 21748007
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of wheeled mobility devices differed with respect to age, gender, residential setting, and health-related factors among older adults. A total of 723 adults ageing 60 and older are representing three cohorts, from nursing homes, the Center for Assistive Technology, and the wheelchair registry from the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. Wheeled mobility devices were classified into three main groups: manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and scooters. Our results found factors including age, gender, diagnosis, and living settings to be associated with differences in use of manual versus powered mobility devices. Differences in use were also noted for subtypes of manual (depot, standard, and customized) and powered (scooter, standard, and customized) mobility devices, on demographic, living arrangements, and health-related factors. Consideration of demographic, health-related, and environmental factors during the prescription process may help clinicians identify the most appropriate mobility device for the user.
Subjective Experiences of Older Adults Practicing Taiji and QigongYang, Yang;DeCelle, Sharon;Reed, Mike;Rosengren, Karl;Schlagal, Robert ;Greene, Jennifer
doi: 10.4061/2011/650210pmid: 21773028
This article presents a qualitative study following a 6-month Taiji (T'ai Chi)/Qigong (Ch'i Kung) intervention for older adults. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews of eight selected participants who elected to continue practicing Taiji after the intervention ended, in order to explore their subjective experiences of Taiji's effects and their motivations for continuing to practice. We created a Layers Model to capture the significance and meaning of the multidimensionality of their reported experiences. Participants not only reported simple benefits along five dimensions of experience (physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual) but also described complex multidimensional experiences. Overall findings indicate that participants derived a very wide variety of perceived benefits, the most meaningful being a felt sense of body-mind-spirit integration. Our results support the important role of qualitative studies in researching the effects of Taiji and Qigong.
Ensuring Mobility-Supporting Environments for an Aging Population: Critical Actors and CollaborationsKochtitzky, Chris S.;Freeland, Amy L.;Yen, Irene H.
doi: 10.4061/2011/138931pmid: 21766029
Successful aging takes on an array of attributes, including optimal health and community participation.
Research indicates that (1) persons with disabilities, including age-related disabilities, report frequent barriers to community participation,
including unsuitable building design (43%), transportation (32%), and sidewalks/curbs (31%), and (2) many seniors report an inability
to cross roads safely near their homes. This paper attempts to define mobility-related elements that contribute to optimal health and quality of life,
within the context of successful aging. It then examines the impacts of community design on individual mobility, delving into which traditional
and nontraditional actors—including architects, urban planners, transportation engineers, occupational therapists, and housing
authorities—play critical roles in ensuring that community environments serve as facilitators (rather than barriers) to mobility. As America ages,
mobility challenges for seniors will only increase unless both traditional aging specialists and many nontraditional actors make a concerted effort to
address the challenges.