Functional status, physical activity, pain, and multimorbidity among hospitalized adults aged 65 years and older: a...

The assessment of functional performance in older adults is a key element of geriatric care and forms the basis for planning therapeutic, rehabilitative, and social interventions. Population ageing is associated with an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, reduced independence, and a higher risk of depression, all of which affect the ability of older people to function in everyday life. The aim of the study was to evaluate functional fitness and the level of physical activity in individuals aged 65+ hospitalized on non-surgical medical wards.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 among 214 patients aged 65 years and older who were hospitalized in internal medicine wards. The VAS, ADL, IADL, and IPAQ scales were used. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the χ ² test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (p < 0.05).

The mean ADL score was 4.39 ± 1.61 points, while the mean IADL score was 16.19 ± 5.47 points. Most participants reported a low level of physical activity, and walking was the predominant form of activity (Me = 495 MET·min/week). Higher levels of physical activity were significantly associated with better performance in ADL and IADL (R = 0.812-0.887; p < 0.0001). A greater number of comorbidities and higher pain intensity correlated with lower physical activity (R = -0.215 to -0.609; p < 0.05) and longer sitting time (R = 0.500-0.639; p < 0.0001).

The findings highlight the need for regular geriatric assessment, effective pain management, and interventions aimed at supporting physical activity among older adults.