Addressing individual differences in mobility transition counseling with older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Mobility Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Mobility is crucial for older adults' independence.
• Assessing readiness for mobility transition is vital for planning interventions.
• Existing tools may not fully capture factors influencing mobility in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clinically validate the Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT) tool.
• To identify factors associated with successful mobility transitions in community-dwelling older adults.
• To inform person-centered interventions for older adults facing mobility challenges.

Main Methods:

• The final phase of a 3-phase project involved clinical validation of the ARMT.
• 133 community-dwelling older adults completed the ARMT, coping, health/vision, and social support measures.
• Concurrent validity was assessed using statistical analyses.

Main Results:

• Concurrent validity of the ARMT was supported.
• Higher readiness to cope with mobility transition and self-confidence were linked to successful transitions.
• Self-rated health/vision and fewer maladaptive behaviors were also significant predictors.
• Social support and adaptive coping did not show a significant association.

Conclusions:

• The ARMT is a valid tool for assessing older adults' readiness for mobility transition.
• Interventions should focus on enhancing self-confidence, health, and adaptive behaviors.
• Older adults may overestimate available non-family support for mobility.
• Findings have implications for practice, education, research, and policy in aging and mobility.