The Prevalence and Causes of Mobility Problems in Elderly Residents of a Hospice in Kerala, India

Received: 11-Jul-2024, Manuscript No. IJMRHS-24-142043; Editor assigned: 15-Jul-2024, Pre QC No. IJMRHS-24-142043 (PQ); Reviewed: 31-Aug-2024, QC No. IJMRHS-24-142043; Revised: 14-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. IJMRHS-24-142043 (R); Published: 21-Feb-2025

Introduction

Impaired mobility is one of the important health issues facing the elderly in hospices. With improvement in medical care and consequent increase in longevity, the prevalence of mobility issues in the middle aged and elderly population has increased profoundly. Mobility impairment precedes loss of autonomy. This has now become a major social problem [1].

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of mobility limitations in elderly inmates of a hospice. The study was an observational study conducted in October 2023 in a charity hospice in Thiruvananthapuram, India, The hospice provides free lodging, food and health care to homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals. A semi-structured questionnaire proforma was utilized to collect data [2].

Description

All elderly patients above 60 years of age, residing at the hospice were enrolled. Those suffering from mental illnesses with reduced activity such as severe depression and dementia were excluded. There were 104 elderly residents. Twenty-two individuals (21.2%) reported mobility problems. This included 13 males (59%) and 9 females (41%). The mean age of the patients was 72. The mean age of affected males was 68 and the mean age of affected females was 74. The degree of immobility ranged from walking with the aid of a stick to being totally bedridden. Two inmates (9%) could walk with the aid of a stick. Eight inmates (36.4%) could walk only with the support of another person. Five inmates (22.7%) were bedridden, but could sit with support. Seven inmates (31.8%) were totally bedridden [3].

The cause of the mobility problem was due to a neurological problem in 12 patients (54.5%), frailty in 5 patients (22.7%) and due to orthopedic problem in 2 (9%). Five inmates (22.7%) required an indwelling urinary catheter. Six patients required ryles tube for feeding. There were no decubitus ulcers in the bedridden patients. This study revealed a high prevalence of impaired mobility among elderly residents of the hospice. Environmental challenges, including the hospice’s living environment can contribute to decline in mobility. This underscores the importance of implementing mobility rehabilitation programs and providing mobility aids for elderly hospice residents. Mobility limitations, often associated with chronic illnesses can compromise quality of care delivery by limiting access to hospitals and follow up care [4].

Conclusion

Neurological problems, particularly stroke and fraility were the leading causes of impaired mobility among hospice patients. Orthopedic issues such as arthritis also significantly contributed to mobility impairment. Stoke is a preventable condition. This underscores the importance of controlling risk factors like systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and smoking habit, through community based preventive measures.

References

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