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Assistive device use as a dynamic acquisition process in later life.
Karis A Pressler1, Kenneth F Ferraro
1Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, Ernest C. Young Hall, 155 South Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2114, USA. kpressler@purdue.edu
The Gerontologist
|January 29, 2010
Summary
Older adults use more assistive devices (ADs) due to disability and obesity. Younger individuals with increasing disability show the highest AD adoption rates, highlighting the link between disablement and device use.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Assistive devices (ADs) are crucial for maintaining independence in older adults.
- Understanding factors influencing AD adoption is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify risk factors for assistive device (AD) use in older populations.
- Examine the relationship between disability progression and AD adoption.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three waves of National Long-Term Care Survey (NLTCS) data.
- Employed negative binomial regression models to analyze predictors of AD use.
- Investigated demographic variables, body mass index, and disability status (initial and incident).
Main Results:
- Lower body disability, advanced age, and obesity consistently predicted the number of ADs used.
- An interaction effect showed younger individuals experiencing increased disability had the highest AD adoption rates.
- Disability progression is a significant driver of assistive device use.
Conclusions:
- Assistive device adoption is a response to the disablement process in older adults.
- Obesity is an independent predictor of increased assistive device use.
- Findings inform healthcare professionals and caregivers about AD adoption patterns among older persons.
