RT Book, Section
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
SR Print(0)
ID 1180013690
T1 Functional Assessment & Functional Decline
T2 Current Diagnosis & Treatment Geriatrics, 3e
YR 2021
FD 2021
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781260457087
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1180013690
RD 2024/04/23
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).