Intrinsic Capacity Factors and Activities of Daily Living among Older Adults Residents of Geriatric Homes

Abstract

Background: The loss of intrinsic capacity (IC) could result in activities of daily living (ADLs) impairment. Consequently, understanding the factors that influence levels and trajectories of overall capacity among older adults is of prime importance. Aim: Assess the relation of activities of daily living with intrinsic capacity and other risk factors among older adults residing at geriatric homes. Methodology: Descriptive correlational study, purposive sampling included 148 older adults residing at five geriatric homes. Five tools were used: (1) Older Adults Structured Interviewing Questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics and Health-related factors (2) Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, (3) Mini Nutritional Assessment short-form, (4) Short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale, and (5) Katz index of ADL. Results: 43.24% of elders displayed moderate functional impairment (assisted) and 14.87% demonstrated severe impairment ADLs (dependent). Multiple linear regression model revealed significant association between ADL and the IC factors of cognition, mobility (p<0.000); nutrition (p<0.030); vision (p<0.015). Furthermore, significant relations were found between ADL and demographic characteristics, age, social interaction (p<0.000), female gender (p<0.026), education (p<0.001). ADLs were also associated with morbidity including stroke, arthritis, and musculoskeletal problems (p<0.000), polypharmacy (p<0.017), and smoking (p<0.000). Conclusions: ADL is affected by several numbers of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. The IC appear to be important factors were associated with ADL, exception of the hearing factor and depression among older adults. Recommendation: Intervention strategies including geriatric health programs should be developed by health care professionals including nurses for preventing, or slowing declines in intrinsic capacity.