The relationship between types of physical disabilities and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) in the elderly

Background
The increase in the elderly population and life expectancy may lead to increased dependence and disability in performing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL).

Objectives
We aimed to determine the relationship between types of physical disabilities and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) score in people 65 years of age and over.

Material and methods
This study was designed as a multicenter, cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Kirklareli, Turkey. The study involved 578 people who were 65 years of age or over and presented to a Family Health Center for any reason. The Lawton and Brody IADL Scale was used to assess activities of daily living (ADL) levels in these elderly participants.

Results
We found that 32.9% of all participants and 46.1% of participants with a physical disability experienced a limitation in at least one ADL. After adjusting for descriptive characteristics, people with hearing impairments (AOR= 5.32, 95% CI: 2.41–11.72, p < 0.001) and orthopedic disorders (AOR= 3.65, 95% CI: 1.80–7.38, p < 0.001) were likely to be dependent on other people while performing ADLs. The likelihood of ADL dependency was lower in participants with visual impairments than it was in those without any visual impairment (AOR= 0.21, 95% CI: 0.09–0.49, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
ADL limitations are more likely to occur in elderly people with disabilities. The likelihood of ADL dependency was higher in people with a hearing impairment or an orthopedic disorder. This finding should be taken into consideration in studies that aim to improve the health of the elderly.