ADL dependence and perceived health among elderly deaf sign-language users: a comparison with a matched group of elderly hearing people.
The main purpose of the study was to investigate dependence in ADL and perceived health among elderly deaf sign-language users and to compare these findings with data from a matched hearing elderly population sample. Data on the deaf population were collected through assessments and structured interviews in sign language. Data on the hearing population were retrieved from the Swedish National Study and Ageing and Care (SNAC), while only a few variables from the questionnaire were used in the present study. Each deaf individual was matched by three hearing persons. Matching was performed according to gender, age, and living situation. The main finding is that elderly deaf sign-language users are more dependent in ADL but simultaneously report better health than their hearing counterparts. The differences in ADL dependence can be explained by factors linked to the communication problems experienced by deaf sign-language users, but also by cultural factors. The better health reported by the deaf sample may be attributed to adaptive mechanisms that deaf sign-language users have been claimed to develop. This research provides new information on a vulnerable group of elderly people, i.e. deaf sign-language users, that has previously been given little scientific attention.
Werngren-Elgström
Monica
M
Department of Health Sciences, Division of Occupational Therapy, Lund University, Box 157, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden. Monica.Werngren-Elgstrom@arb.lu.se
Iwarsson
Susanne
S
Elmståhl
Sölve
S
Dehlin
Ove
O
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003638:Deafness / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012813:Sign Language