Musculoskeletal impairments and physical disablement among the aged
Article Abstract:
Certain chronic diseases, such as angina, coronary heart disease with angina, and stroke, predispose the elderly to disability. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and obesity are also fairly accurate predictors. However, little is known about how these links between chronic conditions and physical disability operate, and why some become disabled by a disease, while others do not. Disability is measured by the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) either basic (walking, dressing) or instrumental (preparing meals, shopping). Five hundred forty subjects were interviewed in both 1980 and 1985 to determine impairments and physical disability. Advancing muscle and bone impairments cause progression of physical disability among the elderly, and deserve increased attention from epidemiologists, clinicians, and those who are finding ways to prevent disablement. Not all types of impairments lead to disability. Difficulties with hand function result in an inability to perform the basic ADLs, such as dressing, bathing, and eating. However, arm, hand and wrist difficulties do not affect the instrumental ADLs, such as housekeeping, driving, and cooking. Musculoskeletal impairments do not generally cause disability, but impairments at specific sites do. Also, it was noted that impairment clearly preceded progression of the disability, rather than disability resulting in impairment. Sight and hearing problems were compensated for by the elderly, and did not usually compromise their independence. Physical disability results from a person's behavior in daily life, and can be influenced by internal and external factors. Not being able to climb stairs may be caused by, among other things, stroke, dizziness, breathlessness, or even lack of a sturdy railing. Disability represents the gap between a person's capacity and the demands of the environment. It can be reduced either by improving the person's capacity or redesigning the demands of the environment, for instance by providing handicapped access and restrooms. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Difficulties in physical functioning reported by middle-aged and elderly women with breast cancer: a case-control comparison
Article Abstract:
Women aged 55 to 74 who have had breast cancer are likely to experience loss of upper-body strength for at least 3 to 12 months following diagnosis and treatment, as compared to women the same age but without breast cancer. This does not hold true for women aged 75 to 84, however, probably because there are other physical limitations associated with aging that affect both groups. This study was done to assess quality of life and the ability to live independently after breast cancer, an important point since it is the leading form of cancer in older women, and because women with breast cancer live longer than those with other leading forms of cancer. Upper body strength, lower-body strength, balance, and fine dexterity as measured by writing were evaluated. The study involved 463 women with newly diagnosed confirmed invasive breast cancer, and 539 women with no history of breast cancer matched for age range, and several other parameters. The cases and controls were divided into groups by age, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 to 84. As might be expected, most disability with upper-body strength was reported at three months in women with breast cancer; at 12 months, fewer patients reported such disability but the proportion was higher than expected when compared with the controls. Pushing and lifting were reported as being problematic in women aged 55 to 64 at 12 months. There were few differences in lower-body strength, balance and fine dexterity between the groups, which were considered encouraging. Nonetheless, upper-body strength is required for many everyday activities. Further studies are needed to understand the reasons for age differences in disabilities, and how various treatments for breast cancer and other disease states affect physical ability as part of determining appropriate therapy for middle-aged and elderly women with breast cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Comorbidity and functional status in older women with breast cancer: implications for screening, treatment, and prognosis
Article Abstract:
Literature on the relationship between comorbidity and functional status and its effects on breast cancer screening and treatment was reviewed. Findings showed that both factors affect breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. However, the effects of comorbidity and functioning on screening practices and disease stage as well as the effects of treatment on breast cancer survival remains obscure. As such, additional research has been recommended to develop precise breast screening guidelines and the barriers which hinder its realization should be identified and resolved.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1992
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- Abstracts: Mismatches between the home environment and physical capabilities among community-living older persons. Health, functional, and psychological outcomes among older persons with chronic dizziness
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- Abstracts: Long-term effects of exercise on psychological functioning in older men and women. Caregiver needs and patterns of social support