Participation of the elderly after vision loss

Abstract

Purpose. To assess the degree of participation of the visually impaired elderly and to make a comparison with populationbased reference data. Method. This cross-sectional study included visually impaired elderly persons (55 years; n ¼ 173) who were referred to a low-vision rehabilitation centre. Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) participation in: (1) domestic life, (2) interpersonal interactions and relationships, (3) major life areas, and (4) community, social and civic life was assessed by means of telephone interviews. In addition, we assessed perceived participation restrictions.Results. Comparison with reference data of the elderly showed that visually impaired elderly persons participated less in heavy household activities, recreational activities and sports activities. No differences were found for the interpersonal interactions and relationships domain. Participants experienced restrictions in household activities (84%), socializing (53%), paid or voluntary work (92%), and leisure activities (88%). Conclusions. Visually impaired elderly persons participate in society, but they participate less than their peers. They experience restrictions as a result of vision loss. These findings are relevant, since participation is an indicator for successful aging and has a positive influence on health and subjective well-being.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training in Reducing Depression in Visually Impaired Male Students

“…Many studies showed that during the developmental stage of children and adolescents with visual impairment, they continue becoming more vulnerable to life circumstances [9]. Low vision is associated with negative consequences such as limitations in day-to-day activities [10,11], poor physical function [10], depressive symptoms [12][13][14][15][16], and low quality of life [17]. There is an internal relationship between sensory impairment, mental and social functioning, and communication [18].…”

Eenzaamheid en zelfmanagementvaardigheden bij visueel beperkte ouderen

“…3 Eerder onderzoek toonde aan dat visueel beperkten beperkingen ervaren bij participatie in het dagelijks leven. 4 Daarnaast ervaren zij psychosociale problemen, 5 en gevoelens van sociale isolatie 6 en eenzaamheid. 7 Eenzaamheid is een negatieve situatie, gekenmerkt door een gemis aan (kwaliteit van) bepaalde relaties en resulteert in verminderd welbevinden.…”

Effects of a multidisciplinary group rehabilitation programme on participation of the visually impaired elderly: a pilot study

“…Study participants originated from a previous crosssectional study [14] that included visually impaired persons who were aged ≥ 55 years, able to speak Dutch, able to understand instructions concerning response sets and referred to a lowvision rehabilita tion centre according to the Dutch guidelines [32]. According to these guidelines, persons with a visual acuity ≤ 0.5 Snellen who have problems in daily life due to the visual impairment should be referred for rehabilitation as well as persons with a visual field <30 degrees.…”

“…Previous research showed that vision loss has a profound impact on daily functioning [4][5][6] and quality of life [7][8][9][10], as indicated by an impaired functional ability and psychological distress [11][12][13]. In addition, visually impaired elderly persons per ceive restrictions in participation [14,15] and participate less in household activities, sports activities and recreational activities as compared to peers [14].…”