Participation of the elderly after vision loss.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the degree of participation of the visually impaired elderly and to make a comparison with population-based reference data.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study included visually impaired elderly persons (≥55 years; n = 173) who were referred to a low-vision rehabilitation centre. Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) participation in: (1) domestic life, (2) interpersonal interactions and relationships, (3) major life areas, and (4) community, social and civic life was assessed by means of telephone interviews. In addition, we assessed perceived participation restrictions.


RESULTS
Comparison with reference data of the elderly showed that visually impaired elderly persons participated less in heavy household activities, recreational activities and sports activities. No differences were found for the interpersonal interactions and relationships domain. Participants experienced restrictions in household activities (84%), socializing (53%), paid or voluntary work (92%), and leisure activities (88%).


CONCLUSIONS
Visually impaired elderly persons participate in society, but they participate less than their peers. They experience restrictions as a result of vision loss. These findings are relevant, since participation is an indicator for successful aging and has a positive influence on health and subjective well-being.
Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. m.a.alma@med.umcg.nl
Manna A
MA
Alma
Sijrike F
SF
van der Mei
Bart J M
BJ
Melis-Dankers
Theo G
TG
van Tilburg
Johan W
JW
Groothoff
Theo P B M
TP
Suurmeijer
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001766:Blindness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D058992:Social Participation; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation