Analysis on Activities of Daily Living Ability and Its Influencing Factors of the Elderly in Community

Abstract

Objective: To understand the activities of daily living (ADL) status of the elderly in Shanghai community and its influencing factors. Methods: Cluster sampling method was used to sample 8143 elderly aged 60 or above, living in a community of Jing’an District, analyze their ADL status and its influencing factors. Results: Among the individuals, about 34% of the elderly were suffered from ADL impaired, including 12% were moderately or severely dependent. Age, education level, spouse, support from family and children, indoor facilities and self-rated health were the factors that affected ADL. Conclusion: Nearly 1/3 of the elderly in the community have certain degree of ADL disability, and the risk of disability is significantly increased in the elderly aged 80 and over. Elderly with emotional support from family or children, good self-rated health or living with their spouse are tend to have a better activities of daily living. It is suggested that the community and family should pay more attention to the elderly people with risk factors, and provide them with more psychological and spiritual support and help. It can provide reference for improving the quality of life of the elderly and making relevant pension service policies