Maintaining health-related quality of life from 85 to 93 years of age despite decreased functional ability

• IntroductionThe ‘oldest-old’ is the most rapidly growing age group in Sweden and in the western world. This group is known to be at great risk of increased functional dependency and the need for help in their daily lives. The aim of this research was to examine how the oldest-old change over time regarding health-related quality of life, cognition, depression and ability to perform activities of daily living and investigate what factors explain health-related quality of life at age 85 and 93 years.MethodsIn this study, 60 individuals from the Swedish Elderly in Linköping Screening Assessment study were followed from age 85 to 93 years. Measurements used were EQ-5D, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Mental State Examination and ability to perform activities of daily living. Nonparametric statistics and regression analyses were used.ResultsAlthough the individuals had increased mobility problems, decreased ability to manage activities of daily living, and thus had increased need of assistance, they scored their health-related quality of life at age 93 years at almost the same level as at age 85 years. No depression and low dependence in activities of daily living speaks in favour of higher health-related quality of life.ConclusionsHealth-related quality of life can be maintained during ageing despite decreased functional ability and increased need of assistance in daily life.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap -- Gerontologi, medicinsk/hälsovetenskaplig inriktning (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences -- Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Health-related quality of life; daily living; elderly; occupational therapy

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)