Factors associated with older people’s independent living from the viewpoint of health and functional capacity: A register-based study

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with independent living of older people from the point of view of health and functional capacity. Background Living independently at home is major wish for older people but is depending on health and functional capacity among others. Objective and subjective assessments have been considered important in determining threats for independent living but both of these views have rarely included in the same study. Design Descriptive, cross-sectional register-based study was conducted. Methods Data were collected using the Health and Functional Capacity survey by identifying the factors of health examinations of a cohort (N = 292) of 75-year old’s, born in 1936 (N = 388), in one Finnish medium-sized municipality in 2011. This study is part of the Functional Ageing project Kaste 2013. The data were analysed statistically by using descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation and logistic regression. Results Partly, different factors were associated with subjective and objective health and functional capacity showing wide range of individuality. Worsening subjective health was associated with worsened self-assessment of life situation. Worsening subjective health threatens independent living. Factors statistically significantly associated with worsening subjective health were low physical activity, falls during the last 6 months, not managing heavy housework, being sometimes lonely or dejected, having diagnosed diseases or health problems and polypharmacy.