Author/Authors :
Akbarzadeh ، Leila - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Esmaeili ، Roghayeh - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Darvishpoor Kakhki ، Ali - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Nassiri ، Malihe - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Estebsari ، Fatemeh - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Introduction: Old age is one of the most sensitive periods in everyone’s life, thus, regarding the everyday growth of the elderly population, caring for this vulnerable part of the society is a necessity. Having in mind the confronting limitations in this era and lack of flexibility with the environment, as well as decreasing independence in the elderly, this study aimed at evaluating the level of independent living in the elderly referring to Tehran Civil Servants Pension Organization (CSPO), during year 2015. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 260 elderly individuals referring to Tehran Civil Servants Pension Organization. Samples are selected via the purposive sampling method. The data in this study was collected by a standard questionnaire, including demographic characteristics and physical activity questionnaire in two sections, i.e. Activity Daily Living and Instrumental Activity Daily Living. After completing two questionnaires, the obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS (ver. 23) software through descriptive statistics, independent t-test, as well as One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The mean age of the studied units was 68.08 ± (7.63) years. The mean of independency status in this group of elderly people was at the independent level (ADL= 13.61 ± 1.14 IADL = 14.77 ± 3.79). Moreover, the total mean score of independence status in elderly aged 60 to 74 years with incomes above 7500 to 10 million Rials per month and married elderly, was higher.Conclusions: Old age is a normal stage in the normal path of life for human beings,which is very different from other life stages. In general, with increasing age, decrease in the level of independent living, and consequently, the degree of dependence on others increases. Also, married elderly and those with more income and youngerelderly are more independent than others. Furthermore, the result obtained in thisstudy reveals that the elderly people had higher independence status in eating and sleeping as part of Activities of Daily Living, and at taking medicine and using thetelephone in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.
Keywords :
Elderly , Aging , Independent , Nursing
