Article

Cécité
PURPOSE: To assess the degree of participation of the visually impaired elderly
and to make a comparison with population-based reference data. This cross-sectional study included visually impaired elderly persons (>/=55 years; n
= 173) who were referred to a low-vision rehabilitation centre. Based on the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
participation in: (1) domestic life, (2) interpersonal interactions and
relationships, (3) major life areas, and (4) community, social and civic life was
assessed by means of telephone interviews. In addition,
we assessed perceived
participation restrictions. RESULTS: Comparison with reference data of the
elderly showed that visually impaired elderly persons participated less in heavy
household activities, recreational activities and sports activities. No
differences were found for the interpersonal interactions and relationships
domain. Participants experienced restrictions in household activities (84%),
socializing (53%), paid or voluntary work (92%), and leisure activities (88%).
CONCLUSIONS: Visually impaired elderly persons participate in society, but they
participate less than their peers. They experience restrictions as a result of
vision loss. These findings are relevant, since participation is an indicator for
successful aging and has a positive influence on health and subjective well-being.

Langue : ANGLAIS