Abstract
This study was conducted to identify effects of hassles related to wheeled walking aid use on the frequency of outings and quality of life (QOL) of elderly individuals using wheeled walking aids. In total, 219 elderly individuals living at home participated in this survey. These respondents used the Community General Support Centers in Prefecture A
and used wheeled walking aids when going out. Survey items included the following: subjects’ gender; age; family composition; place of residence; physical fitness; type of wheeled walking aid currently used; frequency of outings using wheeled walking aids; frequency of hassles associated with wheeled walking aid usage and negative feelings toward
these hassles; and QOL. In this study, cause-and-ef fect relationship models were hypothesized: (1) wheeled walking aid-related hassles affect the frequency of outings using a wheeled walking aid through negative feelings associated with the use of a wheeled walking aid and (2) the frequency of outings has an effect on QOL. Structural equation modeling was used to confirm that the data generally fit this cause-and-effect relationship model. Results suggested that in order to promote a higher frequency of outings among the elderly using wheeled walking aids, hassles attributable to wheeled walking aid and negative feelings toward these hassles (e.g., “psychological stresses about wheeled walking aid use,” “instability,” “difficulties with storage,” “difficulties with operation,” and “difficulties with
sitting”) must be minimized.
