Centre for Policy on Ageing
 

 
The effect of visual and hearing impairments on function status
Author(s)Brenda K Keller, Joy L Morton, Vince S Thomas
Journal titleJournal of the American Geriatrics Society, vol 47, no 11, November 1999
Pagespp 1319-1325
KeywordsVisual impairment ; Hearing Impairment ; Mobility ; Self care capacity ; United States of America.
AnnotationImpairments of hearing and vision are common in frail older people, and have consequences for their functional status. This study examined the prevalence of visual and auditory impairment in frail older persons and evaluated the relationship between sensory impairment and overall functional status. Participants were 575 older patients at an outpatient geriatric assessment clinic. Findings revealed that 18% had visual impairments of 20/70 or worse. Hearing impairment was found in 64%. The mean activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores were lower in those with hearing impairment and visual impairment. Combined vision and hearing impairments had a greater effect on function than single sensory impairments and influenced functional status independent of mental status and comorbid illness. The findings suggest that interventions to improve sensory function may improve functional independence. (AKM).
Accession NumberCPA-000306206 A
ClassmarkBR: BV: C4: CA: 7T

Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing
...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.
 
CPA home >> Ageinfo Database >> Queries to: webmaster@cpa.org.uk