Determinants and Prevalence of Disabilities in Activity of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living of Elderly

Abstract
Aim: Population ageing represents global phenomenon , the world and India in particular are witnessing a rapid ageing phenomenon characterised by a fast expansion of the elderly population . Elderly are the most vulnerable groups of the society more prone to experiencing chronic illnesses , infections and disabilities making them a high risk group requiring more attention and care . As ageing advances , the elderly experience a reduction in physical abilities, increasing disability to perform every day living tasks and instrumental activities of daily living. This is a escalating public health concern in India. Hence, the present study aimed to study the incidence of physical disabilities in performing every day living tasks and activities of daily living using instruments among the elderly and to investigate the factors contributing it among the selected elderly population 60 - 75 years in Coimbatore.
Methods: This community based study was conducted among the randomly selected elderly population (100) living in Coimbatore. Activities of daily living (ADL) and Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was evaluated using Katz Index of Independence and Lawton IADL scale. The ADL and IADL prevalence were analyzed by single factor descriptive analysis and analytical statistic, such as the chi-square test was applied, with a p-value of <0.001 considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the 100 selected elderly, 60 % Women and 40 % men participated in this study. The Mean age of the selected elderly was 67.97 ± 5.06. Majority (62 %) of the elderly were financially dependent. The highest level of independence was observed for the activity of feeding , 99 % of selected elderly feed themselves without any support from others . About 35 % of the elderly were independent in performing their daily activities are belonged to 60 -65 age group. There was a note worthy relationship between (p >< 0.001) considered statistically significant.
Results: Out of the 100 selected elderly, 60 % Women and 40 % men participated in this study. The Mean age of the selected elderly was 67.97 ± 5.06. Majority (62 %) of the elderly were financially dependent. The highest level of independence was observed for the activity of feeding , 99 % of selected elderly feed themselves without any support from others . About 35 % of the elderly were independent in performing their daily activities are belonged to 60 -65 age group. There was a note worthy relationship between (p < 0.001) age and functional ability.

Key words: Elderly, Functional disabilities, Prevalence , ADL and IADL, Katz Index, Lawton IADL scale, Co - morbidities