Functional Assessment in the Elderly with the Use of a Self Administered Questionnaire and a Physical Performance Test

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the functional performance of older adults in Greece. Participants in this study were 447 older adults living independently aged 60 years and older (M = 73.3, SD=6.0 years), randomly selected from different geographical areas of Greece. The instruments used in this study to assess functional status included the Questionnaire of Functional Assessment, (OARS, McCuster et al., 1999) and the Physical Performance Test (PPT, Reuben & Siu, 1990). Statistical analysis included Frequency analysis and the non parametric Spearman coefficient correlation. According to the results of this study the majority of the participants were capable in performing without any assistance the basic (78,1%) and the instrumental (73,2%) activities of daily living. Additionally the physical performance of 59,7% of the subjects in activities of daily living was at a very good level. The assessment of the functional abilities of the older adults revealed a significant correlation between the scores provided with the Questionnaire of Functional Assessment Scale, for both the basic and the instrumental activities of daily living, and the PPT scores (r =.39 p< .01). Women presented increased functional decline when compared to men. According to the findings of this study the two instruments produced comparable readings although gender differences were depicted only for the IADL scale of the OARS questionnaire.