Ability Of Elderly People Research Articles

Changes in Combined Lifestyle Risks and the Transition of Activities of Daily Living in the Elderly Population of Taiwan: Evidence from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Functional ability decline occurs with age. This study aims to investigate the associations between the lifestyle factors-exercising, food consumption, and smoking-and the functional ability of the activities of daily living (ADL) by gender. The data were obtained from the Taiwan longitudinal study on aging, a national cohort study. The cross-sectional results demonstrated that the frequency of exercising was negatively associated with ADL in both men and women. Dairy products were positively associated with ADL in men. The longitudinal results illustrated that current and consistent exercising were negatively associated with changes in ADL scores over 4- and 8-year periods in both men and women. Seafood consumption was negatively associated with changes in the subsequent 4-year ADL scores. Past smoking was positively associated with changes in subsequent 4-year ADL scores in men, while current smoking was positively associated with changes in subsequent 8-year ADL scores in women. Therefore, consistent exercising, food consumption, and smoking were associated with ADL functional ability in elderly people, and the associations differed by gender. Elders exercising consistently had good ADL performance and maintained their ADL ability better, especially women. Seafood consumption decreased the risk of ADL decline, while smoking increased the risk of ADL decline.

Analysis of Drug Management Ability on the Elderly in the East Surabaya Using MedMaIDE™

The elderly are at the highest risk for drug-related problems caused by age-related physiological changes, multiple chronic illnesses, polypharmacy, and poor drug management. This study aims to analyze the ability of elderly regarding drug management. This study used an observational research method with an elderly population in the East Surabaya area. The research instrument used was MedMaIDETM (Medication Management Instrument for Deficiencies in the Elderly), which can be used to measure ability in medication management in the elderly community who are undergoing self-medication with at least one medication. Sampling was carried out using a non-random sampling method with a purposive sampling technique. The number of respondents obtained in this study were 100 elderly who live in the East Surabaya area. The inclusion criteria for research respondents were: (1) willing to be a respondent; (2) domiciled in the East Surabaya area; (3) aged ≥ 60 years; (4) able to communicate in Indonesian; and (5) consuming at least one medicine. The variable studied was drug management skills in the elderly which includes knowledge of the medications aspect, knowledge on how to take the medication aspect, and knowledge on how to obtain the medication. The average MedMAIDE scores of respondents in the three domains with a total average value of 1.18 and a standard deviation of 0.10, meanings each elderly at least had one deficiency out of 13 maximun score of deficiencies. There were 70 respondents out of 100 respondents who had limitations in drug management with one deficiency score as the smallest score and the largest total deficiency score being 7. Meanwhile, 30 other respondents had a no deficiency. The most difficult tasks were identified the problems after taking the medication, fill a glass with water, sip enough water to swallow medication and identify if a refill exists on a prescription. The ability of elderly people in the East Surabaya area to manage their medicines was good. The elderly were able to recognize the drugs used, use the drugs correctly, and comply with drug administration.

Effects of integrated interventions on the brain’s ability of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment

The goal of the quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of integrated interventions on the brain’s ability of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Six weeks of integrated interventions consisted of promoting physical activities, brain training, and group activities, which were developed for the experimental group. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Thai Version (MoCA-Thai Version) was used for evaluating the brain’s ability of the elderly people. The data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, dependent t-test, and independent t-test. The study's findings showed that the experimental group's average MoCA-Thai Version test score increased after finishing the program (p < 0.01). Additionally, the experimental group's average MoCA-Thai Version test score was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than the control group. Therefore, elderly people with MCI should be encouraged to engage in physical activities, brain training, and group activities through the integrated program for promoting the brain’s ability.

Predictive Model for Oral Status in Elderly People in a Taiwanese Nursing Home Using a High-Protein Black Soybean Koji Food.

With increased age, the appetite, chewing, swallowing, and digestive ability gradually decrease. Previous studies have shown that poor oral health is associated with an inadequate intake of macro and micronutrients and malnutrition. Therefore, improving the diet of elderly people and promoting nutrient absorption will help to improve the quality of life for elderly people. However, few studies have predicted their oral ability based on different food textures and other factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between oral assessment and texture parameters of high-protein black soybean koji products in elderly people in a nursing home. We used cross-sectional study design for seventy-nine residents aged 65 years and older were recruited. Three different texture of cookies, including normal cookie hardness (1.4 × 105 N/m2), minced cookie hardness (4.4 × 104 N/m2), and pureed cookie hardness (1.4 × 104 N/m2) were provided to participants to test the oral status. An oral assessment scale was used by a dentist to evaluate the oral status of the elderly participants. Different cookie textures showed a significant positive correlation with pronunciation (r = 0.237, p < 0.05), face (r = 0.371, p < 0.01), tongue (r = 0.362, p < 0.01), pharynx (r = 0.256, p < 0.05), swallowing (r = 0.272, p < 0.05), breathing (r = 0.315, p < 0.01), and the total oral score (r = 0.339, p < 0.01). We also used the high-protein black soybean koji products combined with elderly people’s comprehensions in a predictive model that had a moderately high correlation to predict the oral status in the elderly group (r = 0.612). We concluded that the high-protein black soybean koji product was associated with the oral ability of elderly people in a nursing home in Taiwan. Our findings indicated that elderly people could immediately understand the correct food texture.

Mobility of sedentary older people: benefit from an adapted physical activity program

Objective: to assess the impact of an adapted physical activity program on the ability of elderly people with reduced mobility. In total 65 elderly subjects living in institutions divided into 2 groups according to sex, including 35 women and 30 men and according to age &amp;lt;75 years (n = 34) and ≥ 75 years (n = 31) selected occasionally were subjected to an adapted physical activity program over a period of 3 months and we verified the effects of this program at the beginning and at the end of the program on joint flexibility of the back, static and dynamic balance, general dynamic coordination or endurance. This study showed that men and women only significantly improved their static balance; however on top of that men significantly changed their speed, distance to walk test and maximum oxygen consumption. Regarding the influence of age, subjects under the age of 75 significantly improved their flexibility, static and dynamic coordination, speed and distance in the six-minute walk test, while subjects aged 75 and over n 'have changed only their static balance. This study reveals that the practice of adapted physical activity allows the elderly to improve their mobility (back joint flexibility, static and dynamic balance, general dynamic coordination and endurance). However, these benefits depend on the age and gender of the subjects. Men improved more parameters than women; however, with regard to the influence of the program on age, we observed that subjects with an age below 75 years improved more parameters than those with age greater than or equal to 75 years.

Evaluation of Agility and Walking Ability in Elderly People

An important aspect of independent living in a super-aging society is the achievement of “successful aging” in mind and body. Recent large-scale epidemiological studies found that reduced walking ability significantly affects “extended healthy life expectancy” and “successful aging.” In terms of anatomy and physiology, “usual aging” (i.e., the inevitable decrease in walking function due to aging) occurs unless one undertakes daily physical activity. Conversely, aggressive moderate and habitual physical activity may lead to “successful aging” (i.e., maintained and improved walking function). Previous studies revealed that agility and walking ability are related to healthy life expectancy. Thus, we measured agility with a stick response test to investigate its relationship to gait, and determined whether this test could be substituted for a battery test of walking ability. This test has the convenience of shortening measurement time and requiring a wider measurement place than gait evaluation performed by actually walking. Correlation was observed between the rod response test and stride length (r = 0.60), walking speed (r = 0.38), and walking ratio (r = 0.34). Therefore, we propose that the rod response measurement is simpler than a simple walking ability test and can be used as a physical function measurement item that predicts the health and longevity of the elderly.

Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of self-care ability scale for the elderly

BackgroundMeasuring self-care ability in elderly people needs specific instruments. The Self-care Ability Scale for Elderly (SASE) is one of the common instruments used for assessing self-care ability. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the SASE among Iranian elderly population.MethodsThis cross-cultural adaptation study was carried out at Shahid Chamran and Shadpour Health Complex in Tabriz, Iran. The forward-backward procedure was applied to translate the SASE from English into Persian. Then, it was completed to 220 elderly people. A systematic random sampling method was used for sampling. Content validity was calculated through modified Kappa coefficient (modified CVI) based on clarity and relevance criteria. Reliability was measured by internal consistency and test-retest analysis. The construct validity also was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). All the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21 statistical software package.ResultsThe mean of self-care ability was 61.14 ± 21.08. The CVI and modified kappa were 0.91 and 0.92 for relevance and clarity, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.73 and Intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.97. The results of EFA revealed a three-factor solution (‘ability to take care of personal responsibility’, ‘ability to take care for the goals’, and ‘ability to take care of the health’) that jointly explained for 64.61% of the total variance.ConclusionResults of the study showed that the Iranian version of the SASE has good psychometric properties and can be used in assessing the self-care ability of elderly people.

高齢者における認知機能と嗅覚同定能力，イメージ能力との関連性

高齢者における認知機能と嗅覚同定能力，イメージ能力との関連性

Dynapenia and physical performance in community-dwelling elderly people in Japan.

ABSTRACTAging of society has increased the incidence of physical disability. The goal of this study was to examine the physical ability of elderly people classified as having sarcopenia, presarcopenia, or dynapenia (a low muscle function without low muscle mass) in a community in Japan. The subjects were volunteers aged >60 years who were participants in a health checkup in Yakumo, Hokkaido and were in good general health. Demographic data were collected and physical performance tests were performed to measure grip strength, walking speed, back muscle strength, maximum stride length, and 3-m timed-up-and-go (3m TUG) time. A measurement of skeletal muscle mass was used as a basis for calculating the appendicular skeletal muscle index (aSMI). The rates of sarcopenia, presarcopenia, and dynapenia were 10%, 22%, and 8% in males (n=101, age 69.7±5.4 years), and 19%, 23%, and 13% in females (n=112, 68.5±5.9 years). Body mass index in subjects with dynapenia was significantly higher compared to that in subjects with sarcopenia and presarcopenia (p<0.01). Back muscle strength, maximum stride length and 3m TUG were similar in dynapenia and sarcopenia, but differed significantly with those in presarcopenia in both males and females without the influence of age (p<0.05). Further studies are needed to evaluate the benefits of dynapenia intervention programs and to explore the underlying pathophysiology of dynapenia.

The Enigma of Gender Differences in an Environment-Behavior-Health Model of Elderly People: The Choice Between Individually and Sociality

Gender difference in the health of elderly people has become an important perspective to consider when studying their health. However, the gender differences in terms of “environment–behavior–health” from the social ecology perspective remain unknown. On the basis of survey data from Shanghai, China, including 2839 samples, this study explored the gender differences of outdoor environment–behavior–activity ability in elderly people from two aspects of the mean value of variables and the path relationship, utilizing the structural equation model analysis method combined with social ecology theory. The results showed that, at the level of the mean of variables, the elderly males had significantly higher mean values than the females in terms of individual behaviors, but had significantly lower values in terms of social behaviors. At the level of path relationships, there were similarities in that the health of elderly males was more likely to be affected by individual factors, whereas that of the females was more effected by social factors. Through the great positive effect of the high-level social behaviors, the health of the elderly females was progressively promoted. The study provided some useful insights for future research, aiming at promoting gender-sensitive urban design.

Psychomotor Abilities of Elderly People and Their Motivation to Participate in Organized Physical Activity

ABSTRACTBackground: Functional training has an effect on the physical parameters of people, but the motivation of the elderly people practicing sports varies depending on the events taking place in their close environment and the specifics of their relationships.Methods: Participants were recruited in the City Leisure Center for Elderly People and Social Care Home for Elderly People and randomly assigned to two groups: a study group and control group. The survey sample consisted of 40 respondents (aged 68 ± 8 years), who met the inclusion criteria. Respondents exercised to the Adapted Physical Activity Program, which consisted of a study of motivation to exercise, testing of physical parameters and adaptation of functional training to respondents physical needs.Results: Before starting functional training, the balance of study group was 44% (p < .05) lower if compared to the control group. We determined statistically significant change of coordination after FT - 17.75% (p < .05). The data of semi-structured interview were coded and attributed to specific subcategories, four categories were established: self-expression, self-awareness, body image, and self-esteem.Conclusions: Certain living environments may limit the need and possibility for the elderly people to exercise while enjoying the sense of communion through physical activity.

Starzenie się ludności na poziomie hiperlokalnym Rola inicjatyw oddolnych w amerykańskim krajobrazie usług opiekuńczych dla seniorów na przykładzie „modelu wioski”

Koncepcja starzenia się w społeczności (aging in community) jest w ostatnich latach promowana przez teoretyków i praktyków polityki społecznej, pracy socjalnej i gerontologii społecznej jako alternatywa dla zinstytucjonalizowanych, stacjonarnych form świadczenia usług opiekuńczych. Polega ona na umożliwieniu seniorom funkcjonowania we własnym otoczeniu i własnym gospodarstwie domowym tak długo, jak tylko to możliwe. Podstawową zaletą koncepcji jest zapewnienie osobom starszym, często borykającym się z problemem samotności lub ograniczeniami samodzielności, poczucia względnego bezpieczeństwa i dobrostanu. Niniejszy artykuł omawia nowatorski amerykański model opieki, zwany „modelem wioski” (village model), który wpisuje się w filozofię „starzenia się w miejscu zamieszkania” (aging in place), a jednocześnie stanowi ciekawą alternatywę dla podaży usług opiekuńczych świadczonych przez sektor publiczny. W syntetyczny sposób zestawia wady i zalety tego typu systemowych rozwiązań oraz poddaje pod dyskusję ideę zaadaptowania „modelu wioski” na gruncie polskim.&#x0D;

Impact of Montessori-based intervention on the eating ability of elderly with dementia

Objective To evaluate the impact of Montessori-based intervention on eating ability of the elderly with dementia. Methods Sixty-four patients with dementia were randomly divided into intervention group(n=32) and control group(n=32). Patients in intervention group were given Montessori-based intervention, and patients in control group received regular care. The effect of Montessori-based intervention on eating ability, eating difficulty and self-eating time were assessed by the simplified Chinese version of EBS (C-EBS), simplified Chinese version of Edinburgh feeding evaluation in dementia scale (C-EdFED) and stopwatch respectively at pre-intervention, post-intervention, 1-month and 3-month follow-up. Results Compared with the control group(EBS: (12.42±3.59); EdFED: (10.48±3.83); self-eating time: (15.28±6.04)min)), the average scores of EBS(14.31±2.63) increased and the self-eating time ((21.44±7.17)min) increased after 8 weeks intervention in intervention group, while the average scores of EdFED (7.86±4.16) increased.The C-EBS scores and self-eating time in intervention group were significantly higher than that of control group while the C-EdFED scores were lower than that of control at all time points(P<0.01). The difference in time effect between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05) . Conclusion The Montessori-based intervention can improve the eating ability of elderly people with dementia, reduce eating difficulty and increase self-eating time. Key words: Dementia; Montessori method; Eating ability; Self-eating time; Eating difficulty

Mild cognitive impairment in the elderly Relationship between communication and functional capacity.

Mild Cognitive Impairment is characterized as an intermediate form between age-related change and dementia. For the elderly, autonomy and independence are related to the ability to remain active in conducting their social activities and, for this to occur, communication is fundamental in this process.Objective:To assess the association between communication and the abilities of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment to perform instrumental activities of daily living.Methods:A cross-sectional, quantitative, analytical, correlational study was conducted at the Open University of the Third Age (UnATI), a program of the Federal University of Pernambuco. This study included 92 people, comprising 46 elderly with mild cognitive impairment and a caregiver or family member who met the inclusion criteria. The elderly were asked to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire and Lawton-Brody’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. The caregivers were asked to complete the Functional Assessment of Communication Skills. The following variables were studied: social communication skills and instrumental activities of daily living. Data were stored in an Excel® 2007 spreadsheet, and the Pearson correlation test was used for the statistical analysis.Results:There were statistically significant correlations in four domains of social communication: referring to family members by name (p=0.0033); requesting information about people or events (p=0.0355); understanding conversations in a noisy environment (p=0.0448); and understanding what they watch on television or listen to on the radio (p=0.0127).Conclusion:Changes in the communication of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment interfere with their ability to perform instrumental activities autonomously and independently.

Comparison of the immediate efficacy of the Spinomed® back orthosis and posture training support on walking ability in elderly people with thoracic kyphosis

Background: The effect of spinal orthoses, including the Spinomed® and posture training support (PTS) in improving balance and reducing falls in older people has been previously evaluated. However, there is little evidence available regarding their effect on the walking ability of older individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis. This study was therefore designed to compare the immediate effect of the Spinomed® orthosis and PTS on specific gait parameters in this patient group.Methods: A total of 34 older volunteer subjects with thoracic hyperkyphosis participated in this study and were randomly allocated into two groups, to either walk with the Spinomed® orthosis in situ or the PTS. The elderly mobility scale test (EMS), two-minute walk test (2-MWT), and 10-meter walk test (10-MWT) were used to evaluate their walking performance, the distance walked and their walking speed respectively.Results: There were no significant differences in the mean age, body mass index (BMI), kyphosis angle, EMS, 2-MWT, and 10-MWT between the groups at baseline. All parameters were uniform amongst the two groups. The Spinomed® orthosis and PTS both had a positive and significant effect on the EMS score, the 2-MWT, and the 10-MWT. No significant difference was detected between two the types of orthoses in terms of the EMS score, the 2-MWT, or the 10-MWT.Conclusions: The Spinomed® and PTS were both effective in improving all the primary outcome measures, with similar improvements demonstrated by both orthoses.Implications for rehabilitationsIn this category, one of the approaches to treat the elderly with hyperkyphosis is the use of spinal orthoses such as Spinomed® orthosis and posture training support (PTS).The results showed that the anti-kyphosis orthosis including Spinomed® and PTS played effective roles in the elderly with hyperkyphosis to improve their walking function.According to the current study results, there was no significant difference between the efficacies of these orthoses in the mentioned parameters.

Toe functions have little effect on dynamic balance ability in elderly people.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the toe function of elderly people and the association with the dynamic balance ability for the developing effective fall-prevention measures. [Subjects and Methods] Seventy-eight participants in a community health service were included in this cross-sectional study. The Timed Up and Go Test and Four Square Step Test were used to test dynamic balance ability. The toe functions related to dynamic balance ability were toe flexion strength, presence or absence of restricted range of motion of the hallux, presence or absence of hallux pain, and hallux valgus angle. [Results] Factors related to the Timed Up and Go Test results were toe flexion strength, age, and presence or absence of hallux pain. Their standard partial regression coefficients were −0.400, 0.277, and −0.218, respectively. Factors related to the Four Square Step Test results were toe flexion strength and age. Their standard partial regression coefficients were −0.334 and 0.277, respectively. [Conclusion] Toe functions appear to have little impact on dynamic balance ability in elderly people who have mild toe dysfunction. Approaches that address not only the toes, but trunk functions, and other leg joints should be investigated for improving the dynamic balance ability.

Assessment of the Relationship between Spiritual and Social Health and the Self-Care Ability of Elderly People Referred to Community Health Centers.

Background:Promotion of self-care ability among older people is an essential means to help maintain and improve their health. However, the role of spiritual and social health has not yet been considered in detail in the context of self-care ability among elderly. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between spiritual and social health and self-care ability of older people referred to community health centers in Isfahan.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional correlation study, 200 people, aged 60 years and older, referred to healthcare centers in 2016 were recruited through convenience sampling method. Data were collected by four-part tool comprising of: (a) demographics, (b) Ellison and Palotzin's spiritual well-being scale, (c) Kees's “social health” scale, and (d) self-care ability scale for the elderly by Soderhamn's; data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential (independent t-test, analysis of variance – ANOVA, Pearson's coefficient tests, and multiple regression analysis) statistics by SPSS16 software.Results:Findings showed that the entered predictor variables were accounted for 41% of total variance (R2) of the two self-care ability in the model (p < 0.001, F3, 199 = 46.02). Two out of the three predictor variables including religious well-being and social health, significantly predicted the self-care ability of older people.Conclusions:The results of this study emphasized on the relationship between spiritual and social health of the elderly people and their ability to self-care. Therefore, it would be recommended to keep the focus of the service resources towards improving social and spiritual health to improve self-care ability in elderly people.

Daily Living Activities of Home-Bound Elderly in a Northern Thai Suburban Community

The world including Thailand is facing up to a rapidly growing ageing population. In order to reduce the need of care for elderly people, they must be enabled to carry out basic activities at home, which are associated with safe and independent daily living. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of elderly people in performing their daily activities while living at home in the community of Namprae and Sanklang villages, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assessment was developed to measure functional status based on the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) concept. Data collection included interviews with the subjects and observation of their performance at their home and in the community. The study found that all of the elderly people communicated (spoke, produced non-verbal messages and conversed) independently. The majority also acted independently in eating and drinking, but they needed some assistance from people or equipment in activities such as driving, preparing meals, doing housework, moving around, washing and walking. Most of the home-bound elderly people performed ADL independently, whereas, they depended on transportation and driving while living at their home. Thai people, especially in the elderly section, have been influenced strongly by religion (Buddhism) in a spiritual dimension, but about half of the participants in this study had limitations in religion and spirituality. This situation created an environmental barrier that caused the limitation of physical function in elderly people when performing ADL.

A cohort study of elderly people in Bloemfontein, South Africa, to determine health-related quality of life and functional abilities.

An ageing population has become an issue of global importance. According to statistics, the number of people aged ≥60 years will outnumber children &lt;5 years by 2020. To identify chronic and comorbid diseases that contribute to reduced quality of life (QoL) and functional ability in elderly people living in nursing homes in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa (SA). This study used utility- and capability-based questionnaires EQ-6D and a modified ICECAP-O to identify chronic and comorbid diseases that contribute to reduced QoL and functioning in the elderly. An information leaflet was supplied to respondents, along with an informed consent form that each signed and dated. The respondents participated voluntarily and anonymously. Structured interviews were conducted. No algorithm for the EQ-6D or ICECAP-O is available for the SA population. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 was used to perform the sum score calculations. Data were presented using standard descriptive statistics (frequencies, medians, means, standard deviations and standard errors). The total sample comprised 104 elderly respondents, 72.1% females and 27.9% males (mean age 77 years). Most suffered from at least two of the following diseases: hypertension (68.8%), joint disease (46.2%), heart disease (22.1%), cancer (19.2%) and psychologicaldisorders (18.3%). The EQ-6D indicated that 'pain' (48.3%) and 'mobility' (36.2%) were the domains chiefly affected. Elderly subjects with extreme problems reported all domains to be equally affected, with the exception of 'cognition' (29.1%). Our results confirm that diseases result in pain and affect mobility and cognition in old age. Access to healthcare and services for older people involves recognition of the importance of health promotion and activities that will help prevent disease, and there should be a focus on maintaining independence, prevention and delay of disease, and disability treatment. This includes improving QoL in elderly people with existing disabilities. Reform of medical care services is essential to improve healthcare for the elderly and thus improve their QoL.

The Use of Mobility Scooters by the Elderly – A Feasibility Study in Israel

Studies worldwide indicate that an active lifestyle, including mobility, is essential for the quality of life of the elderly. Given the decline in elderly people's ability to serve as vehicle drivers and their physical limitations for long walks or cycling, the possibilities of using alternative transport means, e.g. mobility scooters (MS), are considered. This study aimed at exploring the feasibility of wider use of the MS by the elderly in Israel and its possible implications regarding road safety. The study included a review of knowledge worldwide on MS use by the elderly, an opinion survey of the elderly population and field observations of MS riders in urban areas. The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews, where the questionnaire included background characteristics, health status and travel habits of the elderly, and their attitudes towards MS. The field observations were conducted by video-recording. The study found that MS are known to most elderly people in Israel, where the majority of respondents agreed that MS can improve their mobility and quality of life. However, they expressed a relatively low willingness to use MS, mostly, due to the preference for private cars but also the lack of appropriate infrastructure for MS travel in the city. Among elderly characteristics increasing the potential for MS use were: ages 70-84; people with health problems but maintaining an active lifestyle; living independently and appreciating MS benefits. The observations showed that MS users are careful in choosing travel routes, with an intuitive preference for slow traffic conditions that probably contributes to preventing accidents. Admitting an upward trend in the MS use for daily activities, appropriate infrastructure solutions for their travel are required.