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Citation |
Byles JE, Mackenzie LA, Redman S, Parkinson L, Leigh L, Curryer C. Australas. J. Ageing 2014; 33(1): 29-35. |
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Affiliation |
Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute Public Health Capacity Building Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2014, Australian Council on the Ageing, Publisher John Wiley and Sons) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
24520902 |
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Abstract |
AIM: To identify the extent to which homes and neighbourhoods of older community-dwelling people are 'supportive'. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey, in-home observation and interviews involving 202 participants (75-79 years). SF-36 health-related quality of life and Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) scores, self-reported measures of home usability, access, safety and neighbourhood were assessed. Associations between home and neighbourhood characteristics were assessed using χ(2) -tests, t-tests and Pearson correlations. RESULTS: Older people rated neighbourhood satisfaction highly (3.0 men, 3.2 women; 4 being highest score). Many homes failed objective adaptability and safety ratings, particularly bathrooms (80% did not have a shower grab rail, 77% did not have non-slip floors); 27% of homes scored ≥8 of 25 possible hazards. There were significant correlations between perceptions of housing and neighbourhood and SF-36 and disability scores. CONCLUSION: Many homes and neighbourhoods may not accommodate increased frailty or disability of older people into the future. Language: en |