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Changes in Physical Functional Capacity from 71 to 78 Years of Age for a Population Living at Home

1987; Wiley; Volume: 1; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1471-6712.1987.tb00297.x

1471-6712

Charlotte Ekdahl, Ove Dehlin, Gillis Samuelsson, Ann‐Charlotte Sartor,

Health disparities and outcomes

ABSTRACT Retention of physical functional capacity is of great importance to the elderly for prospects of continuing life at home. Data are presented from a longitudinal population study of one whole age cohort consisting of elderly persons living at home. These people were examined at 71, 73, 76 and 78 years of age. Our intention was to elucidate changes in physical functional capacity occurring as age advanced. This capacity was evaluated according to the following parameters: primary ADL (activities of daily living), ability to use outdoor modes of transportation, mobility, balance and coordination, and walking indoors. The findings revealed generally good retained physical function in the age groups studied. Over 90% of all the elderly people in these groups could carry out primary ADL, could use some form of outside transportation, and had no problem walking indoors. By the criteria applied in this study, 23–33% of the people had impaired mobility. Legs were more troublesome than arms regarding mobility. It seems likely that living at home can provide daily exercise which is important in maintaining necessary physical function in daily life.