Determinants of Disability in the Elderly

Abstract

A person who suffers disability experiences difficulty or inability in performing the basic activities with regard to daily living. In general the risk of disability increases with age and constitutes a common health problem among the elderly [1].1ncidence rates in the literature for disability range from 4.6% to 46% depending on the length of follow-up and population characteristics [1-6]. Moreover, physically disabled elderly have a higher risk of dying or being institutionalised [7]. Maintenance of physical function, which represents the absence of disability, has been mentioned by researchers as one of the criteria of successful aging [8]. Disability is also to some extent inversely proportional to quality of life (Qol). The phenomenon that still a large proportion of elderly with a disability perceive their Qol as good, which is called the disability paradox, may be explained by the infiuence of other factors like lower disease burden and greater levels of psychosocial resources [9]. Disability, in most cases a chronic condition, also yields economical and logistical challenges for society. As the older persons, most likely women, caring for their impaired spouse, become disabled themselves more people will need extended health care comprising the use of assistive technology, professional care givers and nursing homes.