The Effect of Physical Mobility on the Life Style of Older Adults

Abstract

Physical mobility helps to improve physical and mental functions as well as reverse some effects of chronic disease to keep older people mobility and independent. Aim: To assess the effect of physical mobility on the life style of older adults. Design: A descriptive research design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at four geriatric homes at Cairo governorate, including: Elderly hotel honored at Maser Elgdeda, Dar al-Hady al-Islami at Nasr City, Family home at Nasr City and Dar Al Nasr Islamic House at Elkhalfawy. Sample: A convenient sample of 233 older adults. Tools: Four tools were utilized to collect data; (1) Structured interview questionnaire for older adults, (2) The elderly mobility scale, (3) Lifestyle questionnaire and (4) The Geriatric Home Assessment. Results: 63.5% of the studied older adult had unsatisfactory level of knowledge. Also, 55.8% of them had health reported practices. Moreover, 59.2% of studied older adults were total independent in physical mobility. Also, 59.6% of the total older adult's life style was healthy. 64.4% of the total environment were safe at geriatric home. Conclusion: There was a positive correlation between total older adults' knowledge, practices and safety environment scores regarding their life style. Recommendations: Physical surveillance for the older adults must be available and continuous for early detection and treatment of physical problems; Physical counseling program can be designed and administered to