1. Assistive Device Use among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Profile of Canadians Using Hearing, Vision, and Mobility Devices in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
- Author
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Susan Kirkland, Jeffrey W. Jutai, and Yoko Ishigami
- Subjects
Gerontology ,Canada ,030506 rehabilitation ,Longitudinal study ,Health (social science) ,Social characteristics ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Hearing ,Humans ,Longitudinal Studies ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Assistive device ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,Community and Home Care ,Baseline data ,Device use ,Self-Help Devices ,Social engagement ,Current analysis ,Mobility devices ,Independent Living ,Geriatrics and Gerontology ,0305 other medical science ,Psychology - Abstract
There is increasing recognition that using assistive devices can support healthy aging. Minimizing discomfort and loss of function and increasing independence can have a substantial impact physically, psychologically, and financially on persons with functional impairments and resulting activity limitations, as well as on caregivers and communities. However, it remains unclear who uses assistive devices and how device use can influence social participation. The current analysis used CLSA baseline data from 51,338 older adults between the ages of 45 and 85. Measures of socio-demographic, health, and social characteristics were analyzed by sex and age groups. Weighted cross-tabulations were used to report correlations between independent variables and assistive device use for hearing, vision, and mobility. We found that assistive device use was higher among those who were of older age, had less education, were widowed, had lower income, and had poorer health. Assistive devices were used differently according to sex and social participation, providing insight into assistive device use for the well-being of older adults and their families.
- Published
- 2020