Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Effect of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases Multimorbidity on Functional Disability in Older Adults in Ireland:
Alwalid Ali1, Santosh Sharma1,2
1School of Medicine University of Limerick Limerick Ireland.
Background:
Understanding how multimorbidity affects activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability in older Irish adults is essential for planning responsive health and social care systems that can support quality of daily life. This study examines how chronic noncommunicable diseases multimorbidity affects older adults' ability to live independently in Ireland. It focuses on the relationship between multimorbidity and limitations in ADL and IADL.
Methods:
A cross-sectional 2019 Irish Health Survey data set was used. The study analyzed data from 2114 individuals aged 65 years and older in Ireland. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the effect of multimorbidity on functional disability.
Results:
Difficulties in ADL and IADL were significantly higher among older adults with multimorbidity (25% and 62%) compared with single morbidity (10% and 38%; p < 0.001). Adjusted logistic regression results also revealed that multimorbidity significantly increased the odds of ADL (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.80, 3.55) and IADL (AOR = 2.60; 95% CI: 2.02, 3.35) limitations. Depression and older age were strong predictors of disability, while moderate alcohol use was linked to lower ADL impairment. Gender and regional disparities were also observed.
Conclusions:
IADL impairments were more common, suggesting early signs of functional decline. Multimorbidity threatens older adults' independence in Ireland. Early detection of IADL limitations and integrated, person-centered care are essential. These findings support policy efforts like Sláintecare to promote aging in place.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...