Functional level, physical activity and wellbeing in nursing home residents in three Nordic countries

• Background: The aim of this study was to describe physical and cognitive function and wellbeing among nursing home residents in three Nordic countries. A second aim was to compare groups of different age, level of dependency in daily life activities (ADL), degree of fall-related self-efficacy, wellbeing and cognitive function. Methods: 322 residents from nursing homes in Sweden, Norway and Denmark were included. Physical and cognitive function, level of physical activity and wellbeing were assessed by means of reliable and valid instruments. Results: The mean age of the participants was 85 years. Sixty percent could rise from a chair and 64% could walk independently. Men were younger and more physically active than women. Participants with a high level of dependency in ADL had a lower physical and cognitive function, were less physically active and had a lower fall-related self-efficacy than others. Participants with a low level of cognitive function showed a high fall-related self-efficacy. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that elderly residents in nursing homes in Sweden, Norway and Denmark are frail but heterogeneous. Significant differences in physical activity, physical function and dependency in ADL were seen in relation to age, fall-related self-efficacy, wellbeing and cognitive function.

Nyckelord

Elderly

functional level

Nordic countries

nursing home

wellbeing

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)