Functional ability of the elderly and related factors in the Subcarpathian Region

Functional ability is the ability to independently perform basic life activities, such as moving, eating, controlling the physiological functions of the body, and maintaining body hygiene. Functional ability is measured by the living environment's degree of independence and self-reliance. The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is mainly based on physical and health factors, while the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) is more closely related to psychosocial and cognitive resources. The aim of the study was to assess functional fitness and its determinants among seniors from the Subcarpathian Region.

The study was conducted in a group of 300 seniors in the Subcarpathian Region. The study used two standardized research tools: The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Scale and the Up and Go Test.

The functional status of the elderly in terms of instrumental daily activities totalled 21.08; median - 24 points; interquartile range - 5.75 points. Timed Up and Go Test enabled evaluation of the risk of falls in the research group (a high score equals a higher risk of falls). The average score was 19.07 seconds, with a median of 15.25 seconds and an interquartile range of 927 seconds. The risk of falls proved to be moderate with nearly half of the respondents - 46.7%, and high - 25%.

The examined group of seniors showed a relatively good level of functional fitness in terms of instrumental activities of daily living. At the same time, however, there was a relatively high risk of falls. The subjects' functional fitness level was differentiated by education, age, place of residence, professional status, and financial situation. Interdependencies were found between the level of education, age, marital status, professional status and the risk of falls.