Advisor(s)
Karlene Ball
Committee Member(s)
Olivio Clay
Pariya Wheeler
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Document Type
Thesis
Department (new version)
Psychology
Date of Award
1-6-2025
Abstract
The nature of the lifespan causes a decrease in the bodily functioning of people as they age which affects the ability to engage in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), mostly amongst older adults. A reduction in the individual’s abilities combined with environmental changes can lead to functional decline impacting everyday function. The aim of this study was to examine the association between visual, cognitive and physical factors with everyday function (IADL/ADL) among older adults and assess whether social determinants of health (SDoH) measures moderate the associations of vision, cognitive and physical function with IADL/ADL limitation. Using data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Clinical Trial, a sample of 2397 community dwelling older adults who were 65 years and older were examined using generalized linear mixed models. Analyses included predicting IADL/ADL limitation from vision, cognitive and physical factors and also examining whether these associations varied by SDoH measures. Results demonstrated that memory and speed of processing were unique predictors of ADLs at baseline. Decline in reasoning abilities was significantly associated with increased IADL/ADL limitations while a decline in memory was associated only with increased IADL limitations over time. Increased inability to make a 360 turn efficiently was associated with an increase in IADL/ADL limitation. Vision was not a unique predictor of IADL/ADL limitation. In addition, the association between reasoning abilities and higher ADL limitations was stronger within older adults with lower economic stability, decreased access to healthcare and lower educational access and quality. Furthermore, the association between memory and speed of processing with higher ADL limitations was stronger within people with lower educational access and quality. In terms of physical function and ADL limitation, the association between turn 360 and grip strength with higher ADL limitation was weaker within older adults with greater access to healthcare, higher educational access and quality, but stronger among older adults who live in poor neighborhood and built environments. Interventions needed to enhance physical and cognitive abilities and modify environmental resources, are essential to alleviate IADL/ADL limitations among older adults. Keywords: IADL/ADL limitations, SDoH measures, ACTIVE, older adults
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Dadson, Deborah Awusuah, "Predictors Of Everyday Function Among Older Adults Using Data From The Active Clinical Trial." (2025). All ETDs from UAB. 7288.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7288
