Assessment of functional capacity of the elderly

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Ageing is a continuous, progressive process of functional reserve loss. Physical fitness and mental state have a significant impact on the functionality level of the elderly population. Assessing the degree elderly people's of independence regarding self-care is an important aspect of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). The aim of the study was to assess the functional capacity of people over 65 years of age.

Material and methods: The study involved 312 patients in hospital wards across Lower Silesia, south-west Poland. The criteria for participation were as follows: providing informed consent to participate in the study, intellectual capacity to be interviewed, and age over 65. The study applied the diagnostic survey method, together with the use of the VAS, Barthel, IADL and GDS scales.

Results: Among the respondents, 59.94% were in a moderately severe condition according to the Barthel scale, average IADL score - 20.56 points; according to the GDS scale, 58.97% had no symptoms of depression. Respondents suffered from multiple chronic diseases, the most common of which were hypertension (71.47%); they also reported some medical issues, mainly back pain (47.44). Assessment of the correlation of the Barthel and GDS scales, as well as the IADL and GDS, revealed a significant and negative correlation at -0.49 and -0.50. Assessment of the correlation between the number of diseases and the Barthel scale was -0.49, the number of symptoms and the Barthel scale -0.4; pain severity and the Barthel scale -0.41, number of diseases and IADL -0.58, and number of symptoms and IADL -0.52.

Conclusions: The greater the seniors' independence regarding instrumental activities of daily living, the weaker the symptoms of depression. Multimorbidity and experiencing pain impaired independence among the elderly.

Keywords: mental and functional fitness; physical; senior.