بررسی فراونی نقص شناختی، عملکردی و عوامل مرتبط با آن در سالمندی

Background and purpose: Aging is a series of biological changes that could result in loss of life ability and an elderly needs efficient copping skills to adapt the new situation. Old population is exposed to many potential threats due to mental and physical disabilities such as personal independence. This study was conducted to determine factors associated with functional and cognitive impairment. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross- sectional study was performed in 360 people >65 years of age using two stage cluster classification. The subjects were those who suffered at least from one chronic disease. A questionnaire and face to face interviews were applied to collect the data. To analyze the data statistical tests were applied. Results: The average impairment in activities of daily living (ADL) was 1.15 ± 1.69, and the average impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was 2.78 ± 4.68. Among the elderly 12.2% afflicted with sever cognitive impairment. ADL/IADL and cognitive impairments and reported chronic diseases had a significant correlation with gender, inadequate income, age, and educational level (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings, demographic variables highly affect the ability of old people. Therefore, more efforts are essential to modify these effects in endangered group in order to protect their independence.