Functional Status among Rural Geriatric Population

Health is the most important prerequisite for people to enjoy life especially in the ageing years. It seems to be one of the most significant factors effecting adjustment, well being and happiness during ageing years. It affects almost every single aspect of the ageing life, including determining successful involvement in activities and tasks. The major elements of ageing health status are perceived health, psychological well-being, chronic illnesses and functional status. Normal age related changes and health problems frequently show declines in the functional status of older adults. Functional capacity refers to the possibility and ability to carry out the daily activities in a normal or accepted way. Activities of daily living (ADL) is the ability to conduct routine activities of daily living, which included Physical Activities of daily Living (PADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The main purpose of this study was to assess the functional status (PADL and IADL) of geriatric population in the age range of 65-75 years both male and female residing in the rural areas of Jaipur city. The sample comprised of 200 ageing adults both males and females, in the age range of 65 to 75years belonging to rural setting of Jaipur district (n = 100 male and n = 100 female). To evaluate the functional status, the ADL assessment was done with the help of Katzs scale (1963) and Lawton & Brody (1969). The result reflected that 82 percent of the female respondents and 70 percent of the male respondents were able to perform Physical Activities of Daily Living (PADL), although no significant difference was found between the two groups on PADL. While assessing IADL it was clear that majority of the respondents were partially to fully dependent on others. There is increasing interest with researchers and policy makers in, how to age healthy or successfully. A good understanding of the concept of successful ageing and its determinants might contribute to the creation of opportunities for developing intervention programmes.