TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Functional Assessment & Functional Decline A1 - J. R. Aliberti, Marlon A1 - E. Covinsky, Kenneth A2 - Walter, Louise C. A2 - Chang, Anna A2 - Chen, Pei A2 - Harper, G. Michael A2 - Rivera, Josette A2 - Conant, Rebecca A2 - Lo, Daphne A2 - Yukawa, Michi PY - 2021 T2 - Current Diagnosis & Treatment Geriatrics, 3e AB - Older persons consistently indicate that maintaining independence is their top priority. The capacity to complete a series of day-to-day actions and tasks with as little difficulty as possible, irrespective of having chronic illnesses, determines good health and quality of life and is an important element of successful aging. However, for almost everyone, aging brings functional challenges that can compromise independence. Chronic and acute conditions, which are increasingly common as people age, are the trigger points for the disablement process. These conditions cause the development of impairments in specific body systems, which then result in functional limitations, eventually culminating in disability (Figure 5–1). Disability is defined as difficulty or need for help doing activities in any domain of life (from personal care to hobbies) due to a health or physical problem. For example, diabetes (chronic condition) leads to peripheral neuropathy (impairment), which then leads to poor balance and mobility (functional limitation), which finally leads to an inability to bathe in the tub/shower (disability). SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/18 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1180013690 ER -