Prevalence Of Physical Disability Research Articles

Assessment of Dependency in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and its Predictors: A Cross-Sectional Study among the Elderly Rural Population in a Sub-Himalayan UT of India.

With an increase in life expectancy over the last few decades, there has been a parallel increase in the prevalence of disabilities among the elderly population. To estimate the prevalence of dependency in activities of daily living (ADL) and its predictors among the rural elderly population. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the community among the rural geriatric population in the field practice area of PG Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Jammu. The Barthel Scale Index was used to measure ADL dependency. PSPP software was used to analyze the data. The mean age of study participants was 68.31 ± 7.9 years. ADL dependency was observed in 46.3% of the subjects, with the majority demonstrating mild to moderate dependence. Only 2.5% of the respondents reported a severe degree of ADL dependence. The mean ADL score was 94.47 ± 8.98. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, educational status, the presence of stress in the family, personal history, and the presence of co-morbidities emerged to be independent predictors of ADL dependence. High prevalence of physical disability in the geriatric population is now an area of major concern. This emphasizes the significance of setting up geriatric care centers especially in rural areas preferably integrating with health and wellness centers.

Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis and its influence on aging: the role of the hypothalamus

As part of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamus exerts pivotal influence on metabolic and endocrine homeostasis. With age, these processes are subject to considerable change, resulting in increased prevalence of physical disability and cardiac disorders. Yet, research on the aging human hypothalamus is lacking. To assess detailed hypothalamic microstructure in middle adulthood, 39 healthy participants (35–65 years) underwent comprehensive structural magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, we studied HPA axis dysfunction proxied by hair cortisol and waist circumference as potential risk factors for hypothalamic alterations. We provide first evidence of regionally different hypothalamic microstructure, with age effects in its anterior–superior subunit, a critical area for HPA axis regulation. Further, we report that waist circumference was related to increased free water and decreased iron content in this region. In age, hair cortisol was additionally associated with free water content, such that older participants with higher cortisol levels were more vulnerable to free water content increase than younger participants. Overall, our results suggest no general age-related decline in hypothalamic microstructure. Instead, older individuals could be more susceptible to risk factors of hypothalamic decline especially in the anterior–superior subregion, including HPA axis dysfunction, indicating the importance of endocrine and stress management in age.

Trends in Gender and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Physical Disability and Social Support Among U.S. Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment Living Alone, 2000-2018.

Informal care is the primary source of support for older adults with cognitive impairment, yet is less available to those who live alone. We examined trends in the prevalence of physical disability and social support among older adults with cognitive impairment living alone in the United States. We analyzed 10 waves of data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Survey spanning 2000-2018. Eligible people were those aged ≥65, having cognitive impairment, and living alone. Physical disability and social support were measured via basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADLs, IADLs). We estimated linear temporal trends for binary/integer outcomes via logistic/Poisson regression, respectively. A total of 20 070 participants were included. Among those reporting BADL/IADL disability, the proportion unsupported for BADLs decreased significantly over time (odds ratio [OR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-0.99), and the proportion unsupported for IADLs increased (OR = 1.02, CI 1.01-1.04). Among those receiving IADL support, the number of unmet IADL support needs increased significantly over time (relative risk [RR] 1.04, CI 1.03-1.05). No gender disparities were found for these trends. Over time, Black respondents had a relatively increasing trend of being BADL-unsupported (OR = 1.03, CI 1.0-1.05) and Hispanic and Black respondents had a relatively increasing trend in the number of unmet BADL needs (RR = 1.02, CI 1.00-1.03; RR = 1.01, CI 1.00-1.02, respectively), compared to the corresponding trends in White respondents. Among lone-dwelling U.S. older adults with cognitive impairment, fewer people received IADL support over time, and the extent of unmet IADL support needs increased. Racial/ethnic disparities were seen both in the prevalence of reported BADL/IADL disability and unmet BADL/IADL support needs; some but not all were compatible with a reduction in disparity over time. This evidence could prompt interventions to reduce disparities and unmet support needs.

Prevalence and correlates of physical disability among elderly rural population in a community development block of Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal

Introduction: With demographic transition and increase in life expectancy elderly population has increased substantially in recent years. Rapid growth in the elderly population resulted in high magnitude of noncommunicable diseases leading to physical disability, dependency on caregivers and poor quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of physical disability among elderly rural population in a community development block. Subjects and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bhatar block of Purba Bardhaman district from November 2020 to January 2021 among 350 elderly participants ≥60 years selected by multistage random sampling. With prior informed consent, data were collected using semi-structured pre-designed, pretested schedule and 10-item Barthel index. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done to find out the correlates. Results: The prevalence of physical disability among elderly was 28.9% and proportion was more in ≥70 years age group, 62.6% of the subjects suffered from one or more chronic diseases. In bivariate analysis age (odds ratio [OR] = 5.36), caste (OR = 2.27), education (OR = 4.57), current employment status (OR = 0.13), type of family (OR = 2.15), socioeconomic status (OR = 4.04) and presence of any chronic diseases (OR = 1.86) was significantly associated with physical disability. Multivariable analysis revealed age (adjusted OR [AOR] = 2.96 [1.54–5.68]), education (AOR = 2.98 [1.60–5.54]) and current employment status (AOR = 0.23 [0.09–0.58]) as significant predictors. Conclusions: The prevalence of physical disability among elderly is substantially high in the study area. Effective promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative geriatric health care services need to be strengthened for early diagnosis and treatment of health problems in the elderly.

PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN SENIOR CITIZENS OF PUNJAB PROVINCE, PAKISTAN

ABSTRACT
 BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE:
 World Health Organization (WHO) considers that Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is the most important indicator to measure physical and cognitive functions in senior citizens. It is important to know the prevalence of physical disability to find out the needs of senior citizens regarding physical, mental and emotional health. This study has provided us the prevalence rate of physical disability among the senior citizen in the five major cities of Punjab, Pakistan.
 METHODOLOGY:
 This descriptive study was conducted over a period of six months June (06, 2019 to December 05, 2019). The sample was randomly selected. The respondent were senior citizen (Male/Female) having an age of above 60 years. Data were collected from the Index cases. Questionnaire and assessment scales were used as study scale and total sample size was 3675.
 RESULTS:
 The results of study showed that the activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are related to age, sex, education, social and psychological factors. The facilities of education, job, entertainment, social activities vary from city to city. In all cities a p =0.05 was used. In addition, an Eo= 4.5 was set and the reliability to be used was 95%.
 CONCLUSION:
 It has been concluded that the physical disability in the senior citizens is increasing due to aging population.

Physical functional limitations and psychological distress in people with and without colorectal cancer: findings from a large Australian study.

To quantify physical disability and psychological distress in people with and without colorectal cancer (CRC). Questionnaire data (2006-2009) from 267,153 Australian general population members aged ≥ 45 years participating in the 45 and Up Study (n = 213,231 following exclusions) were linked to cancer registry and hospital admission data, to ascertain CRC status. Modified Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for physical disability and psychological distress in participants with CRC versus those without. Compared with participants without CRC (n = 210,836), CRC survivors (n = 2395) had significantly higher physical disability prevalence (11.9% versus 19.5%, respectively), PR = 1.11 (95% CI = 1.03-1.20); and a similar prevalence of distress (23.1% versus 20.2%), PR = 1.03 (0.94-1.20). Adverse outcomes were associated with certain clinical characteristics. Compared with participants without CRC, CRC survivors diagnosed 5-< 10 and ≥ 10 years, with regional spread, and without recent cancer treatment had broadly similar outcomes; survivors with metastatic CRC and recent treatment had 30-60% higher prevalence of disability and distress. Compared with participants with neither CRC nor disability, PRs for distress were 4.71 (4.22-5.26) for those with disability and CRC; and 4.22 (4.13-4.31) for those with disability without CRC. Physical disability is elevated in CRC survivors. Psychological distress is elevated 4- to 5-fold with disability, regardless of CRC diagnosis, with lesser increases around diagnosis and treatment. CRC survivors with less advanced disease and who have not been recently diagnosed or treated have physical disability and psychological distress comparable to the general population. Survivors with disability are at particularly high risk of psychological distress.

The Prevalence of Physical Disability in Elderly SAMPLE in Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) in AL-Resafa Sector /Baghdad/2018

Background&#x0D; The proportion of older population throughout the world is continuously increasing, and becomes a challenge worldwide, since it may lead to an increasing number of disabled populations, and to a rise of the national health burden, and so there is greater need to look into their physical disability aspects, which is otherwise neglected.&#x0D; Objectives&#x0D; To estimate the prevalence of Activity of Daily Living dependency(ADL) in primary health care centers(PHCs) in AL Resafa health sector in Baghdad, and to find association between dependency and some sociodemographic factors.&#x0D; Method&#x0D; A Descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out in all PHCs in AL Resafa health sector in Baghdad and 250 elderly were interviewed using pretested questionnaire which covered some Sociodemographic factors and Barthal index scale( a 10 item instrument measuring functional independence in personal Activities of Daily Living).&#x0D; Results&#x0D; 250 participants all of them are aged 60 year and older, those aged 60 to 69 years were 47.6%, minority aged 80 years and older , elderly female were slightly more than male (51.6%,48.4% ), Most of participants 97.6% were living in company with their families, 82.0% were not currently employed, 48% overweight , According to Barthal index scale score: 78.0% were independent while ADL with assistance observed in 15.2% and those of ADL with severity 6.8%. There was a significant association between increase in age, Female gender, low education and obesity with decrease in ADL.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Preserving functional capacity of elderly is a great challenge to public health, subjects categorization on the basis of Barthel index to correlates functional disability will be of value for a better quality of life.

Physical and Psychological Problems of the Elderly at an Aged Care Center

Introduction: As the world is aging, there is a growing interest in various morbidity patterns among the elderly population. This study aims to find out the physical and psychological problems among elderly people and to determine the factors associated with the problems. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 46 elderly people who were residents at the Aged Care Center in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Elderly aged 60-years and above were selected purposefully for the study. Physical disability, geriatric depression, cognitive impairment was assessed using the Barthel index, Geriatric depression scale, Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire respectively. The association between sociodemographic data and physical disability, depression and cognitive impairment were also evaluated by using bivariate analysis. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 73.3 ± 7.41 years and among them 52% were females. Among the participants, the prevalence of physical disabilities was 17.39% and the commonest problem was climbing the stairs. The Prevalence of cognitive impairment was 13.04% and the commonest impairment was found in memory recall. The Prevalence of geriatric depression was 32.6%. The prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment were higher among unmarried, illiterate and unemployed respondents. Overall physical and psychological impairment was higher in the age group 80 to 89 years and also in females. Conclusion: Increasing age, particularly those who belonged to age group 80-89 years were at significant risk for physical disability, depression and cognitive impairment.

Prevalence of Physical Disability in Iran: Do Existing Health Services Meet the Needs of Older People? A Letter to Editor

Prevalence of Physical Disability in Iran: Do Existing Health Services Meet the Needs of Older People? A Letter to Editor

Prevalence of, and Risk Factors for, Physical Disability among Nurses in Europe

Aims and objectives: This study investigates possible causes of physical disability among European nurses, and deals with personal, physical and (social) work environment factors. Design: 39,898 (51.7%) nurses responded to our survey (6335 head nurses; 4933 specialized nurses; 24,142 state-registered nurses; and 4488 nursing aids). Methodology: First, the prevalence of physical disability among nurses in Europe was investigated. Second, multivariate analyses were performed to better understand the influence of possible risk factors for physical disability. A Strobe statement has been added. Results: In general, the risk of physical disability is positively associated with the amount of physical load and the nurses’ dissatisfaction with this, with a lack of teamwork quality, harassment by supervisors, colleagues not (quite) ready to help, not having lifting aids, a high quantitative work demand, and having to work in split shifts. The main moderating or buffering factors addressed in this study are having a part-time job, practice of sport and/or hobbies, and the nurses’ social work environment. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Today, there is a substantial shortage of nurses in Europe, and management in healthcare organizations that fails to improve physical working conditions and to provide adequate (career) support might suffer from, will experience growing levels of disability and dissatisfaction among nursing staff that might result in premature leave, reduced productivity or higher absenteeism.

A study of quality of life and economic dependency in physically disabled population in a rural area

Background: Human life is enriched by mechanical, recreational and innovative activities performed by an individual. Disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting the interaction between features of a person’s body and the society in which he or she lives. Quality of life is defined by a subjective evaluation of the life circumstances of an individual with respect to his/her values. The objective of the study was to study the prevalence of physical disability and their economic dependence and quality of life in Orathur rural population.Methods: Data was collected by house to house survey of rural population, Orathur, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu through pre structured questionnaire and clinical examination .The tools used include interview schedule and sickness impact profile (SIP) scale with modification. Data was analyzed statistically.Results: A total of 4508 population were surveyed in this study to find out the prevalence of disability and burden of disability. Totally 308 physically disabled persons were identified (6.8% prevalence rate). It was found that visual disability was most common disability. Economic dependency and impact on quality of life was found to be more in visual disability than other types of disability. Information on extent of impact of disabilities is required to formulate future policies aiming at improving quality of life of disabled people and making them economically independent.Conclusions: Visual disability was the most prevalent disability in the present study and Cataract being the leading cause. Vocational rehabilitation measures specifically for rural disabled people should be initiated by government and non governmental agencies to improve the economic status.

Correlates of physical disability in the elderly population of Rural North India (Haryana).

BACKGROUND:With the increase in life expectancy, the number of older persons is constantly rising. Disability rates for elderly people are also on the rise with an increase in the burden of chronic diseases depriving them of independence and the performance of activities of daily living. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of physical disability and determine its correlates among elderly population of rural Haryana.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 322 elderly participants aged 60 years and above in the rural area of Haryana, India. Data pertaining to sociodemographic profile, self-reported chronic diseases/ailments, and disability assessment by means of Barthel and Katz index of activities of daily living was collected and analyzed.RESULTS:Overall, 21.4% and 18% elderly people had some form of disability according to the Barthel index and Katz index, respectively. With aging, disability increased and 52.5% of the elderly aged 75 years and above were found to have disability according to the Barthel's index. Females (P = 0.014), those who were currently not married (P = 0.001), currently unemployed (P = 0.001), and those with chronic diseases/ailments (P = 0.002), had significantly higher disability rates. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed age 75 years and above, current unemployment, and the presence of three or more chronic diseases/ailments as significant factors related to physical disability.CONCLUSION:Disability is associated with increasing age and an increase in the burden of chronic health ailments in the elderly. Consequently, there is the need to prioritize preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services for the geriatric population.

Socio-demographic differences of disability prevalence among the population aged 60 years and over in Bangladesh

ABSTRACTThis study aims to delineate the sociodemographic differences in disability prevalence across the population aged 60 years and over in Bangladesh, and to investigate the association of factors with reporting disability in later life. A microdata sample for those aged 60 years or over from the Census of Bangladesh 2011 was used where disability was assessed with a self-reported single response question. Logistic regression models were performed separately for men and women. Results reveal that the disability prevalence rate increased sharply with age, and it was higher among older women (5.2 per cent) compared to men (4.8 per cent). Physical and vision disabilities were the two categories with the highest prevalence of reported disabilities, with a higher prevalence of physical disability among men and vision disability among women. Being older, female, currently not in marital partnership, and having a lower educational attainment, not being employed, living alone, and residing in the rural areas were significantly associated with reporting disability in later life. The higher prevalence of disability among older women, those who are illiterate, and those residing in rural areas highlights the need for policies prioritising these groups. Special attention should also be given to those who are currently not in marital partnership, particularly women who are living alone.

Obesity and Associated Health Disparities Among Understudied Multiracial, Pacific Islander, and American Indian Adults.

This study examined the state of obesity, diabetes, and associated health disparities among understudied multiracial, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI), and American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) adults. Aggregated data for 184,617 adults from the California Health Interview Survey (2005 to 2011) were analyzed to determine obesity, diabetes, poor/fair health, and physical disability prevalence by racial group. Logistic regressions controlling for age, gender, and key social determinants (education, marital status, poverty, health insurance) generated multiracial, NHOPI, and AIAN adults' odds ratios (ORs) for our targeted health conditions versus non-Hispanic white adults. Obesity, diabetes, and other targeted health conditions were highly prevalent among multiracial, NHOPI, and AIAN adults, who displayed significantly greater adjusted odds than non-Hispanic white adults for obesity (ORs = 1.2-1.9), diabetes (ORs = 1.6-2.4), poor/fair health (ORs = 1.4-1.7), and, with the exception of NHOPI adults, physical disability (ORs = 1.5-1.6). Multiracial and AIAN adults with obesity also had significantly higher adjusted odds of diabetes (OR = 1.5-2.6) than non-Hispanic white adults with obesity. Multiracial, NHOPI, and AIAN adults experience striking obesity-related disparities versus non-Hispanic white adults, urging further disparities research with these vulnerable minority populations.

Prevalence of Disability in Patients With Musculoskeletal Pain and Rheumatic Diseases in a Population From Cuenca, Ecuador.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of disability in patients with musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic diseases in Cuenca, Ecuador. We performed a cross-sectional analytical study with randomized sampling in 4877 subjects, from urban and rural areas. COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases)-validated questionnaire was administered house-to-house to identify subjects with nontraumatic musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic diseases. The subjects were assessed by rheumatologists for diagnostic accuracy, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index was administered to assess functional capacity. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association of rheumatic diseases with functional disability. Functional disability was found in 221 subjects (73.1% women), with mean age 62 (SD, 18.2) years, residing in rural areas (201 [66.5%]), with education of 6.9 (SD, 5.3) years, and of low income (77 [47.2%]). The value of HAQ-DI was a mean of 0.2 (0-2.9). The real prevalence of physical disability was 9.5%. Moderate and severe disability predominated in activities such as kneeling (4.9% and 3.3%), squatting (4.8% and 2.7%), and leaning to pick up objects (3.7% and 0.9%), respectively. Rheumatic diseases associated with physical disabilities were knee osteoarthritis (95 [31.4%]) and hand osteoarthritis (69 [22.8%]), mechanical low-back pain (43 [14.2%]), fibromyalgia (27 [9.5%]), and rheumatoid arthritis (11 [3.6%]; P < 0.001). Physical disability was associated with older age, female sex, rural residence, lower education, and lower income. Moderate and severe disability predominated in the dimensions of kneeling, squatting, and picking up objects. Rheumatic diseases associated with disability were hand and knee osteoarthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Assessment of physical disability using Barthel index among elderly of rural areas of district Jhansi (U.P), India.

Introduction:The health of the elderly will be an important issue defining the health status of a population. With the rise in aged population, there is a greater need to look into their physical disability aspects, which is otherwise neglected. The rationale behind the study is to assess the physical disability of the elderly living in rural area of Jhansi. The aims of the study were to study the prevalence of physical disability among the elderly of rural area, and to find out the factors and association affecting the physical disability.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in a Baragaon block of rural area of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India, from July 2015 to October 2015. Multistage random sampling was performed. A total of 265 participants of age 60 years and above were selected. Physical disability was assessed using Barthel index. Appropriate data entry and statistical analysis were done in EpiInfo. Frequency tables were used to calculate the prevalence, and Chi-square test was used to find out the association.Results:The overall prevalence of physical disability was 23.4%. 70% belongs to the age group from 60 to 69 years. Physical disability was significantly higher among age group >80 years. Similarly, women were more affected with physical disability than men.Conclusions:High prevalence of physical disability is the major area of concern. More extensive postdischarge health facilities to be provided to elderly.

Lifespan and Healthspan: Past, Present, and Promise.

The past century was a period of increasing life expectancy throughout the age range. This resulted in more people living to old age and to spending more years at the older ages. It is likely that increases in life expectancy at older ages will continue, but life expectancy at birth is unlikely to reach levels above 95 unless there is a fundamental change in our ability to delay the aging process. We have yet to experience much compression of morbidity as the age of onset of most health problems has not increased markedly. In recent decades, there have been some reductions in the prevalence of physical disability and dementia. At the same time, the prevalence of disease has increased markedly, in large part due to treatment which extends life for those with disease. Compressing morbidity or increasing the relative healthspan will require "delaying aging" or delaying the physiological change that results in disease and disability. While moving to life expectancies above age 95 and compressing morbidity substantially may require significant scientific breakthroughs; significant improvement in health and increases in life expectancy in the United States could be achieved with behavioral, life style, and policy changes that reduce socioeconomic disparities and allow us to reach the levels of health and life expectancy achieved in peer societies.

Prevalence of Physical Disability among Urban Community-dwelling Adults in Sri Lanka

Purpose : Assessment of physical disability at the community level is essential for rehabilitation and supply of services. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of physical disability among adults in an urban community in Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 2460 adults (18-59 years of age) who were selected using cluster sampling. Physical disability was measured using a Physical Impairment Examination Tool (PIET) and World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II). Results: Prevalence of physical disability was 4.2% (95% CI= 3.5-5.1). Physical disability was higher among people in the age group of 40-59 years (6.5%, n=64) than among those in the age group of 18-39 years (2.6%, n=39) (P<0.05). Physical disability was more prevalent among females (4.4%, 95% CI= 4.2-4.6) than males (2.6%, 95% CI: 2.4-2.8), and among Tamils (7.8%, 95% CI=5.1%- 10.5%) than Sinhalese (3.3%, 95% CI=2.4%- 4.1%). It was higher among those who were divorced/widowed (58.3%, 95% CI=30.4- 86.2) than among married people (3.6%, 95% CI=2.8- 4.4). The prevalence of physical disability was 7.1% (95% CI=4.6- 9.5) among people with primary education, 4.5% (95% CI=3.4- 5.6) among those with secondary education, and 1.8% (95% CI=0.8- 2.8) among those with tertiary education. It was higher among the unemployed (7.2%, 95% CI=5.7-8.7) than the employed (1.8%, 95% CI=1.1-2.5). Age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education levels and employment status were significantly associated with physical disability. Conclusions: Though the prevalence of physical disability appears to be higher among Sri Lankan adults than among people in developed countries, it is less than among people in other South-East Asian countries. Associations with socio-demographic variables were consistent with other studies.

Progression of aging in Mexico: the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) 2012.

To describe the third wave of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), completed in 2012, and present preliminary results. Descriptive analyses by gender and age group of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health conditions and health behaviors, as well as social support and life satisfaction measures are presented. In addition, external validations are presented by comparing MHAS 2012 indicators with other national data sources. For the panel of older adults in the sample, the rate of health care insurance coverage increased greatly between 2001 and 2012, a significantly higher change in rural compared to urban areas. The results for 2012 are consistent with the previous two waves for the main indicators of health and physical disability prevalence, risk factors,and behaviors. The MHAS offers a unique opportunity to study aging in Mexico, as well as to complete cross-national comparisons. The cumulative number of deaths in the cohort should support the study of mortality and its association with health outcomes and behaviors over the life cycle. In addition, the sub-samples of objective markers will enable methodological research on self-reports and associations of biomarkers in old age with similar health outcomes and behaviors.

Prevalence and Correlates of Functional Limitation among Elderly in Kerala

Performance of IADL could be closely related to biological variables such as age and sex. Since women outnumbered men among the sample population, it is hopeful to conclude that elderly women can be relished with functional independence, but in the advancement of their age, they have to suffer a lot. The results of the study showed that the extended life year is accompanied by increased demands on health care delivery systems as more part of life may be spent with some functional limitation. The prevalence of physical disability in elderly persons with functional limitation are, therefore, important for policy development on care of the elderly. The most effective way to reduce the proportion of population with disabilities is to delay the onset of disabilities. Living independently in familiar surroundings surely promotes a better ageing and the development of living environments together with functional ability exert a profound influence on active ageing. In Kerala situation, geriatric care should be focused to the necessities of elderly women since they have to live more years with functional limitation and disability than males.