Quality of life and functional capacity among elderly with locomotor disability

Author: Gunnel Gustafsson; Linköpings Universitet; []

Keywords: Aged; elderly; locomotion; disability; functional capacity; life satisfaction; assessment; quality of life; MEDICINE; MEDICIN;

Abstract: The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of locomotor disturbances among elderly and the consequences for their life situation, and to test two well-documented American tools on disabled elderly.Screening tests among elderly in two Swedish counties showed that 22 per cent of those aged 60 and above reported difficulties in mobility. Home visits were made to 90 persons in one of the counties, who were interviewed using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Multilevel Assessment Instrument, PGC MAI, and the Quality of Life Index, QLI. There was a significant relationship between the domains representing activities of daily living, time use and mobility in the PGC MAl and a standardized functional test. A logical relationship was found between the domains of the PGC MAI and the subscales of the QLI. The instruments used in the study gave valid information and could be used for evaluating interventions among elderly.

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