The contributing risk factors, prevention and treatment of functional dependence among the oldest-old and elderly subjects
Liu, D.; Tan, J.; Guo, Y.; Ye, G.; Zhu, L.; Zhang, J.; Li, Y.; Deng, Y.; Wang, G.; Wang, L.
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi 53(10): 772-777
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0578-1426 PMID: 25567147 Document Number: 674874
To compare the risk factors on the functional dependence between the oldest-old and elderly veterans. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among veterans ( ≥ 60 years of age) lived in 44 veterans' communities in Beijing. The socio-demographic information and history of non-communicable chronic diseases were collected via face-to-face interviews, and the functional status was assessed by the 20-item version of the Activities of Daily Living Scale. The risk factors associated with increased hazard of the functional dependence in the oldest-old ( ≥ 80 years old) were cognitive impairment, extrapyramidal diseases, cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attack, sleep disorders, hypnotics, osteoarthrosis, hypertension and fall with the odds ratio (OR) of 1.241-2.962 (all P < 0.05). Stroke, depression, cognitive impairment, extrapyramidal diseases, sleep disorders, hypnotics, fall, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthrosis and hearing loss were the risk factors for that in the elderly subjects (aged 60-79 years). The OR was 1.232-5.790 (all P < 0.05). However, avocational activities such as social activity, physical exercise, photography, reading and games, decreased the risk of functional dependence in both the oldest-old and elderly people. Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading causes contributed to the functional dependence among oldest-old and elderly population. Neurodegenerative diseases in the oldest-old, stroke and depression in elderly people should be the priorities in ameliorating disability. Healthy lifestyle and avocational activities could improve the functional status of the oldest-old and elderly population.