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Characteristics of housebound elderly by mobility level in Japan
1Department of Community Health Nursing, Graduate School of Allied Health Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. ayukono-tky@umin.ac.jp
Nursing & Health Sciences
|March 8, 2002
Summary
Housebound elderly individuals, defined as leaving home less than weekly, exhibit distinct characteristics based on mobility. Cognitive function and care quality differ significantly in the non-walking group, while autonomy and social networks are reduced in the 5m-walking group.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- The increasing elderly population presents challenges in maintaining independence and quality of life.
- Understanding the specific needs of housebound elderly individuals is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Mobility limitations significantly impact the daily lives and well-being of older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize housebound elderly individuals based on their varying mobility levels.
- To compare the characteristics of housebound versus non-housebound elderly across different mobility strata.
- To identify specific challenges faced by housebound elderly within distinct mobility groups.
Main Methods:
- A study involving in-home interviews conducted by nurses with disabled elderly individuals in Japan.
- Definition of housebound status: individuals leaving their residence less than once per week.
- Categorization of participants into three mobility groups: non-walking, 5m-walking, and going-by-bus.
Main Results:
- Housebound elderly were not identified within the 'going-by-bus' mobility group.
- In the 'non-walking' group, housebound elderly showed significantly lower cognitive function and received less care, yet their caregivers reported lower burden.
- In the '5m-walking' group, housebound elderly had significantly reduced autonomy and social networks compared to non-housebound peers.
Conclusions:
- The characteristics of housebound elderly individuals are not uniform and vary significantly with mobility levels.
- Mobility is a key determinant in understanding the challenges and care needs of housebound older adults.
- Interventions for housebound elderly should be tailored to their specific mobility status and associated functional and social limitations.