Article

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics and change in use among very old
Swedish users and non-users of assistive devices (ADs) for mobility and personal
care, over a six-year period, and to investigate factors predicting AD use over a
six-year period. METHOD: Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used
to analyse quantitative data from a subsample from the Swedish part of the
ENABLE-AGE Survey Study, n = 154. Variables according to socio-demographics,
environment and health were utilized. RESULTS: The number of users increased over
time, particularly those using both types of ADs (mobility and personal care).
There were differences in health between users and non-users, while no such
differences were seen regarding socio-demographics or environmental factors.
Health factors most prominent predicted AD use after six years, but also
variables within socio-demographics and the environment had an impact on the use;
income for ADs for personal care and aspects in the outdoor environment for ADs
for mobility. CONCLUSIONS: As ADs increases over time, it is important, to pay
attention to health as well as other factors, among users and non-users of ADs,
to provide important information in planning for and supporting healthy and
active ageing. [Box: see text].

Langue : ANGLAIS