Dimensions of Mobility: Defining the Complexity and Difficulty Associated with Community Mobility

1999 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aftab E. Patla ◽  
Anne Shumway-Cook
Keyword(s):  
Weather Conditions ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Mobility Disability ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Community Mobility ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Terrain Characteristics

Mobility, the ability to move independently, is critical to maintaining independence and quality of life. Among older adults, mobility disability results when an individual cannot meet the demands of the environment. Current approaches to defining mobility rely on distance and time measures, or decompose mobility into subtasks (e.g., climbing, sit to stand), but provide limited understanding of mobility in the elderly. In this paper, a new conceptual framework identifies the critical environmental factors, or dimensions, that operationally define mobility within a given community, such as ambient conditions (light levels, weather conditions) and terrain characteristics (stairs, curbs). Our premise is that the environment and the individual conjointly determine mobility disability. Mobility in the elderly is defined not by the number of tasks a person can or cannot perform, but by the range of environmental contexts in which tasks can be safely carried out: the more disabled, the more restrictive the dimensions.

Environmental Demands Associated With Community Mobility in Older Adults With and Without Mobility Disabilities

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (7) ◽  
pp. 670-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Shumway-Cook ◽  
Aftab E Patla ◽  
Anita Stewart ◽  
Luigi Ferrucci ◽  
Marcia A Ciol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Mobility Disability ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Mobility Function ◽  
Community Mobility ◽  
Trip Frequency

Abstract Background and Purpose. In this study, the influence of 8 dimensions of the physical environment on mobility in older adults with and without mobility disability was measured. This was done in order to identify environmental factors that contribute to mobility disability. Subjects. Subjects were 36 older adults (≥70 years of age) who were recruited from 2 geographic sites (Seattle, Wash, and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) and were grouped according to level of mobility function (physically able [ability to walk ½ mile (0.8 km) or climb stairs without assistance], physically disabled). Methods. Subjects were observed and videotaped during 3 trips into the community (trip to grocery store, physician visit, recreational trip). Frequency of encounters with environmental features within each of the 8 dimensions was recorded. Differences in baseline characteristics and environmental encounters were analyzed using an analysis of variance or the Fisher exact test, as appropriate. Results. Mobility disability among older adults was not associated with a uniform decrease in encounters with environmental challenges across all dimensions. Environmental dimensions that differed between subjects who were physically able and those with physical disability included temporal factors, physical load, terrain, and postural transition. Dimensions that were not different included distance, density, ambient conditions (eg, light levels and weather conditions), and attentional demands. Discussion and Conclusion. Understanding the relationship of the environment to mobility is crucial to both prevention and rehabilitation of mobility disability in older adults. Among older adults, certain dimensions of the environment may disable community mobility more than others.

scholarly journals System models for resilience in gerontology: application to the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Klasa ◽  
Stephanie Galaitsi ◽  
Andrew Wister ◽  
Igor Linkov
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
System Level ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Chronic Stressors ◽  
The World ◽  
Aging Adults ◽  
The Individual

AbstractThe care needs for aging adults are increasing burdens on health systems around the world. Efforts minimizing risk to improve quality of life and aging have proven moderately successful, but acute shocks and chronic stressors to an individual’s systemic physical and cognitive functions may accelerate their inevitable degradations. A framework for resilience to the challenges associated with aging is required to complement on-going risk reduction policies, programs and interventions. Studies measuring resilience among the elderly at the individual level have not produced a standard methodology. Moreover, resilience measurements need to incorporate external structural and system-level factors that determine the resources that adults can access while recovering from aging-related adversities. We use the National Academies of Science conceptualization of resilience for natural disasters to frame resilience for aging adults. This enables development of a generalized theory of resilience for different individual and structural contexts and populations, including a specific application to the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The concept of quality of life in dementia in the different stages of the disease

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teake P. Ettema ◽  
Rose-Marie Dröes ◽  
Jacomine de Lange ◽  
Marcel E. Ooms ◽  
Gideon J. Mellenbergh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Multidimensional Evaluation ◽  
Specific Concept ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual

In order to conceptually define quality of life (QOL) in dementia, the literature on QOL in the elderly population, in chronic disease and in dementia was studied. Dementia is a progressive, age-related, chronic condition and to avoid omissions within the dementia-specific concept of QOL, a broad orientation was the preferred approach in this literature study. Adaptation is a major outcome in studies investigating interventions aimed at improving QOL in chronic conditions, but to date, it has not been used in the definition of QOL. It is argued that adaptation is an important indication of QOL in people with chronic diseases and therefore also in dementia. Some crucial issues in assessing dementia-related QOL that are relevant to clarify the continuing debate on whether QOL, particularly in dementia, can be measured at all, are discussed. Then the following conceptual definition is offered: dementia-specific QOL is the multidimensional evaluation of the person–environment system of the individual, in terms of adaptation to the perceived consequences of the dementia.

GAMBARAN KUALITAS HIDUP LANSIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuram Mubina
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Natural Process ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Important Concern ◽  
The Gift ◽  
The Individual

This study aims to determine the quality of life of the elderly. The elderly have serious problems in the physical, mental, and social areas. This problem is closely related to life expectancy and quality of life of the individual. The quality of life of the elderly should be an important concern for health professionals because it can be a reference for the success of an action, intervention, or therapy. The aging process is a natural process that can not be prevented and is a natural thing experienced by people who are given the gift of long life, where everyone hopes to live a calm and peaceful life. The purpose of this study is to understand the quality of life of the elderly in Karawang. The subjects of this study were five elderly people. Determination of research subjects is done by purposive technique. Data mining was carried out through in-depth observations and interviews which resulted in the conclusion that the five elderly individuals experienced the most severe problems in the declining physical condition. The condition then affects the psychological condition and social interaction it has   Keywords: Quality of Life, Elderly.   Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran kualitas hidup lansia. Lansia memiliki masalah serius pada area fisik, mental, dan sosial. Masalah tersebut berkaitan erat dengan harapan hidup dan kualitas hidup individunya. Kualitas hidup lansia seharusnya menjadi perhatian penting bagi para profesional kesehatan karena dapat menjadi acuan keberhasilan dari suatu tindakan, intervensi, atau terapi. Proses penuaan merupakan suatu proses alami yang tidak dapat dicegah dan merupakan hal yang wajar dialami oleh orang yang diberi karunia umur panjang, dimana semua orang berharap akan menjalani hidup dengan tenang dan damai. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memahami kualitas hidup lansia di Karawang. Subjek penelitian ini berjumlah lima orang lanjut usia. Penentuan subjek penelitian dilakukan dengan teknik purposive. Penggalian data dilakukan melalui observasi dan wawancara mendalam yang menghasilkan kesimpulan bahwa kelima individu lansia mengalami permasalahan paling berat pada kondisi fisik yang telah menurun. Kondisi tersebut kemudian berpengaruh pada kondisi psikologis dan interaksi sosial yang dimilikinya   Kata Kunci: Kualitas Hidup, Lansia

scholarly journals The family in face of the elderly's reality of living alone

2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Geovane Perseguino ◽  
Ana Lucia de Moraes Horta ◽  
Circéa Amalia Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Family Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Elderly Living

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the family dynamics in face of the reality of the elderly living alone. Method: study of qualitative approach with theoretical reference of symbolic interactionism that involved interviews with families. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: six families participated in the study. The discourse analysis originated the following categories: The family respecting their decision making; The family organizing itself to the process of living alone after the age of 80 years; The family experiencing the freedom of living alone. Conclusion: in this study, it was possible to identify the facilitation of the possibility of living alone with preparation and agreements between the family during the family life cycle, leading to the feeling of freedom and quality of life of all members. Nursing, as a science responsible for elaborating care strategies, should work together with families to assist in the planning of care plans based on the individual social reality of the family.

scholarly journals Silver Economy in Romania. Érmellék Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-98
Author(s):  
Katalin Gál ◽  
Rita Pásztor
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Aging Index ◽  
The Individual

After the regime change in Romania significant changes in the structure of the population can also be observed, one aspect of which is aging. Our research examines the Romanian aspects of the silver economy on the example of Érmellék micro region. The studied North Bihor area is a disadvantaged micro-region where the social and economic changes of the last 30 years have not brought an easier life. These social changes can be seen in ethnic change, aging, the feminization of aging, and low educational attainment. According to economic indicators, people living here are characterized by low income and commuting lifestyle for working purposes. Accession to the European Union is mostly reflected in the increase in the number of border crossings points and cross-border labor force migration in this region. Thus, our research concerns the examination of the situation of the aging and elderly generation in Érmellék along the measures and services of the silver economy. After defining the concept of the silver economy and presenting the dimensions of the Active Aging Index, an analysis of the empirical data follows. Our study interprets the silver economy as a set of economic opportunities that address both the public and consumer expenditures associated with an aging population and the specific needs of the population over 50 years. During the data processing, through qualitative approach of the elderly population quality of life, we sought the answer to the question of the extent to which the silver economy, or some of its dimensions, can be accessed in Érmellék. In our study, we integrated the analysis of information from focus group interviews, professional and in-depth interviews in the framework of the exploratory research into the dimensions provided by the Active Aging Index. Along with the applied analytical logic, the presentation of the individual dimensions was supplemented with the processing of qualitative empirical material in addition to the secondary data, so we could get to know the conditions of active aging in Érmellék and the possibilities of the regional silver economy. Keywords: silver economy, active aging, quality of life of the elderly, social care, employment of the elderly, social participation of the elderly

scholarly journals Evaluation Of The Elderly On Oral Health In The Basic Attention

10.3823/2338 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmem Silvia Laureano Dalle Piagge ◽  
Karoline De Lima Alves ◽  
Luípa Michele Silva ◽  
Adriana Maria Moreira Alexandre ◽  
Mariana De Lacerda Siqueira Brasileiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Family Health ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Psychological Pain ◽  
Assessment Index ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Individual

Background: For aging healthy, the prevention and maintenance of oral health is essential in the general health of the individual. Objective: Thus, we sought to evaluate the elderly's perception of themselves, associating this information with their reported quality of life. Methods: This is an exploratory descriptive study with a quantitative approach. It was held in the Family Health Units in the city of João Pessoa-Paraiba-Brazil, in 2015. The Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index questionnaire was used to assess the Socio Dental Indicator. Results: Were 258 elderly, mostly female, married, who perceive their oral health positively, although they report having suffered limitations, being them physical, psychological, pain or discomfort. Conclusion: In the face of the evidence, measures are suggested to minimize the gaps, adopting more public policies aimed at the health of the elderly. These measures will ensure better conditions of service and development of projects with the aim of providing ageing with quality of life, to this age group. The results of this study may contribute to educational actions aimed at improving the care of the elderly.

scholarly journals Improving Child Nutritional Status in Order to Fill the Demographic Dividend in East Java Province, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 120
Author(s):  
Lutfi Agus Salim
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Nutritional Conditions ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children ◽  
The Impact

All Indonesian children are national assets where the future of the nation depends on their quality. East Java Province experienced a demographic bonus period and the peak occurred in 2019 and a third of the population of East Java were children aged 0-17 years. Now the government of East Java Province has implemented five strategies in dealing with demographic bonuses, namely improving the quality of youth human resources, creating quality human resources, placing the elderly population as assets, improving health efforts, and economic empowerment. In the strategy of increasing health efforts, it is necessary to evaluate the nutritional status of children and toddlers. Improving the nutritional status of the community is one of the efforts that has a significant impact and is one of the determining factors for improving the quality of human resources. At the individual level, nutritional conditions are influenced by nutritional intake and related infectious diseases. The first two years of life is a critical period, if there are nutritional disorders in this period, the impact is permanent.

scholarly journals Precision Medicine in Non-Communicable Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Novelli ◽  
Michela Biancolella ◽  
Andrea Latini ◽  
Aldo Spallone ◽  
Paola Borgiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Exposure ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Individual Genome ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases ◽  
Multifactorial Diseases ◽  
Massive Growth ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Diabetes And Obesity

The increase in life expectancy during the 20th century ranks as one of society’s greatest achievements, with massive growth in the numbers and proportion of the elderly, virtually occurring in every country of the world. The burden of chronic diseases is one of the main consequences of this phenomenon, severely hampering the quality of life of elderly people and challenging the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare systems. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are considered a global emergency responsible for over 70% of deaths worldwide. NCDs are also the basis for complex and multifactorial diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The epidemics of NCDs are a consequence of a complex interaction between health, economic growth, and development. This interaction includes the individual genome, the microbiome, the metabolome, the immune status, and environmental factors such as nutritional and chemical exposure. To counteract NCDs, it is therefore essential to develop an innovative, personalized, preventative, early care model through the integration of different molecular profiles of individuals to identify both the critical biomarkers of NCD susceptibility and to discover novel therapeutic targets.

scholarly journals Chronic Disease in the Elderly: Spirituality and Coping

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (spe2) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Albiero Leandro da Rocha ◽  
Suely Itsuko Ciosak
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Coping

This is an exploratory study using a qualitative methodology which aimed to identify and understand the role of spirituality in the management of chronic disease in the elderly. The discourse analysis revealed the following central themes: multidimensional impact of chronic diseases, coping and expectations of the elderly. Regarding coping with chronic diseases, the individual coping, social support and religiosity/spirituality/faith were analyzed. The results showed the changes brought about the diagnosis of chronic disease and its implications for the adaptation to the new way of life. The management of these changes is complex and many factors influence positively and negatively in order to deal with the new condition. The results showed that spirituality/religiosity /faith interfere positively in addressing the barriers and difficulties of life, strengthening the resilience of the patient, thus improving their quality of life.

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