STATUS OF FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES AMONG ELDERLY WOMEN RESIDING IN AN OLD AGE HOME: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To assess the functional status of elderly women living in an old age home by
evaluating their physical performance, cognitive function, and psychological well-being.
Design: Cross-sectional observational study.
Method: The study evaluated 46 elderly female residents at Apnaghar Old Age Home,
Agartala, India. Functional status was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery
(SPPB), hand grip strength (Camry EH101 Dynamometer), cognitive function (Mini-Cog™),
and psychological well-being (WHO-5 Well-being Index). Demographic data and social
support patterns were also analysed.
Results: Participants (mean age 70.37±5.93 years) showed moderate physical function with a
mean SPPB score of 8.217±0.917. Hand grip strength averaged 13.998±1.891 kg, trending
toward the lower end of the normal range. The cognitive assessment revealed a mean Mini
Cog™ score of 3.239±0.874, with 71.73% scoring at the threshold of normal cognitive
function. Psychological well-being scores (WHO-5 mean: 67.91±10.98) indicated generally
positive mental health, though 43.47% scored in the lower ranges (44-60). Notably, 84.78%
were illiterate, 91.30% were previously housewives, and 76.08% voluntarily chose institutional
care. Social support analysis revealed that 43.47% received no visitors.
Conclusion: The findings indicate moderate functional capabilities among institutionalized
elderly women, with opportunities for improvement in physical and cognitive domains. The
results emphasize the need for targeted interventions considering the sociocultural context of
institutional care in India, mainly focusing on maintaining functional independence and
enhancing social support systems.