Relationship Between Visual Functions and Independence in ADLs and IADLs Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Examining an older adult cohort to determine how different types of visual impairment affect independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) is an important first step to better understand how to support older adults with specific types of visual dysfunction and enhance their functional abilities.

To examine the relationship between distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity and individual ADLs (dressing, toileting, bathing, eating) and IADLs (laundry, shopping, making hot meals, money management, self-management of medications) among community-dwelling older adults.

A retrospective, cross-sectional design was used to analyze the relationship between visual function and independence in ADLs and IADLs.

We retrieved data for 4,947 people included in the National Health and Aging Trends Study in 2022.

We used a series of multivariable logistic regression analyses and estimated the relationship between visual function and independence in specific ADLs and IADLs.

Near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were statistically associated with specific ADLs and IADLs. Distance visual acuity was significantly associated with specific IADLs but was not significantly associated with any ADLs.

Certain visual impairments were associated with specific ADLs and IADLs and therefore should be considered in the care of community-dwelling older adults. Plain-Language Summary: Normal aging can cause vision to decline. Visual impairment and blindness are expected to nearly double by 2050. Vision is a key component of independence for specific activities of daily living (ADLs; such as dressing, toileting, bathing, eating) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs; such as laundry, shopping, making hot meals, money management, self-management of medications). This study examined the relationship between visual impairments and individual ADLs and IADLs among community-dwelling older adults. The study found that certain visual impairments were associated with specific ADLs and IADLs and therefore should be considered in the care of community-dwelling older adults. This study also provides evidence that specific visual impairments are closely linked to older adults' ability to perform ADLs and IADLs. The findings confirm the importance of addressing visual function in occupational therapy practice to support the independence of community-dwelling older adults.