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Interests among older people in relation to gender, function and health-related quality of life
- Authors:
- KÄLLDALEN Anette, MARCUSSON Jan, WRESSLE Ewa
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2), 2013, pp.87-93.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The WHO has stated that older people should have opportunities to be active participants in an age-integrated society because of the positive impact this can have on active ageing. However it is important that the activity should be meaningful and that the individual is doing what they choose, for example pursing interests. This study explores the interests pursued by 85-year-old people living in ordinary housing in Sweden in relation to gender, cognition, depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A sample of 240 participants completed a postal questionnaire, including the EuroQoL HRQoL measurement. Additional instruments used during a subsequent home visit were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Mini Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale. Women experienced poorer health than men, lived alone to a greater extent and used more mobility devices. Compared with men, women had a larger number of interests related to household management, but there were no gender differences in the leisure area. A lower number of interests in active recreation was associated with lower cognitive function, poorer HRQoL and a higher risk of depressive symptoms. The authors highlight the importance for older people of being active in meaningful occupations, Their ability to pursue interests should be taken into account by occupational therapists.