Physical functioning, health and survival: a ten-year follow-up study

Cutbacks in human resources are putting home care personnel under increasing pressure in their work. Home health care personnel need to know how they can prevent undesirable conditions and support older people towards successful aging. The aim of this ten-year follow-up study was to identify factors associated with increased mortality among 70-year-old subjects living in the community.

Data were collected in 1991 by a postal questionnaire sent to all residents of Turku, Finland, born in 1920. A physical examination was also conducted. Ten years later, in 2001, the mortality rate of this population was determined. The data were examined statistically.

Many health-related factors, such as smoking, poor subjective health, and mobility, were related to an increased level of mortality. In addition, several diseases (e.g., diabetes, angina pectoris, cancer) at age 70 were associated with increased mortality over ten years. Difficulties in daily activities at age 70 also increased the risk of mortality.

The findings offer useful clues for planning health care services and preventive interventions provided by home health care personnel. Home health care personnel should give special attention to older people who feel ill or very ill.