[Three-years changes in disability and mortality associated with daily life patterns among the home frail elderly].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to eximine 3-year changes in disability and mortality in relation to the daily life patterns among the frail elderly living at home.


METHODS
Subjects were 50 frail elderly living at home who were interviewed at baseline, in July to September, 1995. By detailed time budgets, five daily life patterns were classified: Lying-rest, Sitting-rest, Hobby, Walking, and Housework. Information on ADL was obtained from visiting nurses or mailed questionnaires in June 1998 (3 years later).


RESULTS
Within the 3-year period, 15 people (30%) died. At the follow up, 27 people (54%) were living at home, three (6%) were hospitalized, and four (8%) were institutionalized. In 31 analyzed samples, ADL scores significantly decreased during the 3-year period. As for the ability to perform each activity, it was found that only the elderly in Housework life pattern maintained their ADL. The elderly in Lying-rest life and Sitting-rest life patterns were more likely to die.


CONCLUSIONS
Decline in ADL among home frail elderly was found for the 3 years. It was suggested that community health care for preventing disability progress among home frail elderly were important over a long time. Housework life patterns were seemed to be associated with physical performance.
Kono
A
A
Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
Kanagawa
K
K
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D009026:Mortality; D013997:Time Factors