The use of assistive devices and change in use during the ageing process among very old Swedish people.

PURPOSE

To investigate the characteristics and change in use among very old Swedish users and non-users of assistive devices (ADs) for mobility and personal care, over a six-year period, and to investigate factors predicting AD use over a six-year period.

METHOD

Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyse quantitative data from a subsample from the Swedish part of the ENABLE-AGE Survey Study, n = 154. Variables according to socio-demographics, environment and health were utilized.

RESULTS

The number of users increased over time, particularly those using both types of ADs (mobility and personal care). There were differences in health between users and non-users, while no such differences were seen regarding socio-demographics or environmental factors. Health factors most prominent predicted AD use after six years, but also variables within socio-demographics and the environment had an impact on the use; income for ADs for personal care and aspects in the outdoor environment for ADs for mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

As ADs increases over time, it is important, to pay attention to health as well as other factors, among users and non-users of ADs, to provide important information in planning for and supporting healthy and active ageing. [Box: see text].