Article

PURPOSE: To identify demographic, physical and psychosocial determinants
associated with participation in daily activities of community-dwelling older
adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional design of older adults (>/=70 years) from
Victoria, Australia, residing in their homes was drawn from a convenience sample.
The outcomes were recent participation in household and recreational activities
as measured by the Phone-FITT. Explanatory variables included demographics,
physical and mental health functioning (Short Form-12 version 2, Geriatric
Depression Scale 15). Associations were analyzed through linear regression.
RESULTS: There were 244 participants (60% female), with a mean age of 77.5 years
(SD 5.7). Higher levels of depression and fewer falls (during the previous year)
were independently associated with restrictions in household participation (p <
0.001, p < 0.001). For recreational participation, higher levels of depression
were associated with restricted participation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Screening
for depression should be a key component of health assessments with older adults.
Untreated depression may lead to lower participation rates in daily activities
potentially resulting in social isolation. Fewer falls and restricted household
participation were associated, but no association was observed between falls and
recreational participation. Further studies are required to explore this
association in more detail. Implications for Rehabilitation Depression is
significantly correlated with the level of participation in daily activities for
older adults. Health professionals need to screen for depression when working
with older adults.

Langue : ANGLAIS