Original scientific paper
FUNCTIONAL ABILITY SELF-ASSESSMENT IN ELDERLY POPULATION
IVANA POPEK
; Institute of Public Health of Sisak-Moslavina County, Sisak, Croatia
URELIJA RODIN
; Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
European demographic data indicate aging of the population lasting for decades in almost all European countries. Compared to others, Croatia is classifi ed among the oldest European nations (17.7% of the population aged ≥65). Physiological and functional changes in the process of aging reduce functional ability. Capability to perform all everyday activities is an important characteristic of the quality of life in the elderly. Chronic diseases in old age also contribute to disability. The
purpose of health promotion and preventive interventions is to improve health and protect physiological, mental and social functioning of the elderly. The aim of this review is to present trend changes of functional disability in the population aged ≥65 according to gender and three age groups (early, middle and old age) and stimulate public health interventions for improving functional abilities of the elderly. Subjects and Methods: The 2001 and 2011 census data were used. The respondents included the population of Croatia aged ≥65 and data were obtained by self-assessment (693.540 persons in 2001 and 758.633 persons in 2011). According to census data, the number of people with disabilities aged ≥65 increased from 148.170 persons in 2001 to 353.247 in 2011. The results showed the age specifi c disability rate to have increased in all age groups, as follows: from 197.9/1000 to 384.5/1000 in 65-74 age group; from 237.0/1000 to 538.5/1000 in 75-84 age group; and from 274.9/1000 to 679.3/1000 in ≥85 age group. There were also gender differences with larger rate increase of disability
in females (from 18.7% to 48.9% in female and 25.7% to 42.9% in male). The most common cause of disability were diseases; the specifi c rate of disability caused by diseases increased from 129.4/1000 to 335.5/1000. Locomotion problems were the most common diffi culties in everyday functioning. The rate of functional disability in elderly increased in all counties and was most pronounced in less developed counties (the biggest rate increase was recorded in Vukovar-Srijem County and in Karlovac County). Conclusion: It is necessary to develop public health interventions to keep functional ability in the elderly. Each county should create activities by its demographic, social and health indicators. It is also necessary to bring a healthy aging strategy at the national level. Considering human and fi nancial resources, it is necessary to develop noninstitutional care for the elderly and include organizations of civil society in providing social services.
Keywords
population ≥65; functional abilities; disability; quality of life; diseases; health promotion
Hrčak ID:
199324
URI
Publication date:
20.4.2018.
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