Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among motor functions, activities of daily living (ADL), and social attributes that influence independence over a period of 8 years. [Subjects] The subjects were 44 men and 166 women (average age: 77.1 years), community-dwelling elderly, belong to a seniors club at the time of the baseline survey conducted in 2000. [Methods] The survey was conducted by interview. There were 13 functional capacity test items and 3 social attribute items in the survey. Motor function tests included handgrip strength, sit-reach, one-leg standing time with eyes closed and maximal walking speed over 10 m. [Results] The percentage of subjects who were independent in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) at the time of the follow-up survey was 60%. For men, a previous medical history, handgrip strength, maximal walking speed over 10 m and 2 domains of functional capacity were significantly higher in the independent group. For women, age (60-74 years), pain, productivity, handgrip strength, sit-reach, one-leg standing time with eyes closed, maximal walking speed over 10 m and 3 domains of functional capacity were significantly higher in the independent group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that efforts to maintain motor function and functional capacity may be useful for maintaining active independence of the elderly.
