Assessment Of Adjustment Problems In Old Age Population

Abstract

Background:

Increased geriatric population means an increase in the incidences of age-related physical, psychological, and social problems that very often force an elderly individual to have to adjust to new conditions. Physiotherapists serve a vital role as primary contact practitioners by recognizing and then treating these problems through evaluation and intervention. Hence, this study looks at adjustment problems among the elderly from a physiotherapy point of view, using functional mobility, balance, pain, independence for activities of daily living (ADLs), and psychosocial well-being as screening tools. If adjustment problems are identified very early, then treatment is offered in time, thus rendering the benefits-either the better quality of life, prevention of falls, or overall positive welfare-for the aging population.

Methods:

This article studies the adjustment problems in old age populations. One hundred participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, and data were collected using the Shamshad Jasbir old age adjustment inventory scale. The process of obtaining an informed consent of the participants and institutional review board (IRB) approval was ensured.

Result

The questionnaire was targeted toward the assessment of adjustment issues among the old age population. Overall the questionnaire consisted of 125 questions. The respondents sent back their responses through Google forms. The data thus collected were analyzed by a statistician with the help of a statistical package, Instat. The chi-square test was used to analyze the question. The chief areas reported to be affected were health (68%) and emotional adjustment (63%).

Conclusion:

In assessing adjustment problems among the elderly in a sample of 100 persons, using the old age adjustment inventory (OAAI), significant problems have been brought forth mainly in the health, emotional, and social areas. These coincide with the literature, which stresses the multifaceted nature of aging-related adjustments.