Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of visual impairment and of impaired functional reading ability rapidly increase with age. However, functional reading ability is essential for an autonomous lifestyle. We analyzed the prevalence of impaired functional reading ability in the general elderly population and the association of impaired functional reading ability with quality of life, daily activities, mobility, and social participation.MethodsCross-sectional data from a population-based cohort were analyzed. Participants aged ≥65 years were tested for their functional reading ability using (1) Nieden charts (cognitive reading ability) and (2) a test in which a telephone number had to be found (reading comprehension). Prevalences of impaired functional reading ability were calculated. In multivariable regression models, the associations of cognitive reading ability (1) with quality of life, daily activities, mobility, and social participation were examined.Results60 of 780 participants (7.69%) were able to read the third last text of the Nieden test (good cognitive reading ability), whereas 7 participants (0.9%) were unable to read any of the texts. 716 participants (91.8%) identified the phone book entry successfully (good reading comprehension). Multivariable regression models revealed no significant associations of the cognitive reading ability (1) with quality of life, daily activities, social participation, and mobility.ConclusionOur results showed a high prevalence of impaired cognitive reading ability (1). Reading comprehension (2) was slightly affected. The loss of cognitive reading ability usually progresses over years; signs and symptoms might remain unrecognized when compensated by other functions.
Highlights
The prevalence of visual impairment and of impaired functional reading ability rapidly increase with age
We examined the prevalence of impaired functional reading ability in general older adults in the northeast of Germany and its association with daily activities, quality of life, mobility, falls, and social participation
Data and measurements The data for this analysis were retrieved from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Summary
The prevalence of visual impairment and of impaired functional reading ability rapidly increase with age. Functional reading ability is essential for an autonomous lifestyle. Vision is listed in the section of sensory abilities (of the physical functions) in the ICF. The risk of impaired vision increases with age [2, 3]. In Germany, 37% of the women and 29% of men aged ≥65 years report vision problems or blindness (assessed via CATI: computer assisted telephone interviewing). Study data from other countries are partially similar, e.g. for Poland (30.8% of the persons ≥60 years reported visual impairment) [2]. A British investigation yielded prevalences of visual impairment between 12.4 and 19.9% of those aged ≥75 years depending on the definition adopted [6]. The prevalence in women was higher than in men of similar ages in all mentioned studies
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