Background As the number of elderly people is on the rise in societies throughout the world, providing them with optimal care is becoming a major demand, especially in the context of rising interest in institutional care. Quality of life is multidimensional notion and its perception depends highly on pain and mood levels. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of pain and depression symptoms in elderly people living in nursing homes in France, Germany, and Poland. Methods The research carried out in years 2014–2016 involved female residents of nursing homes in France, Germany, and Poland: 190 women from each country, aged over 65 years and not previously diagnosed with advanced dementia, were included. Collection of medical, demographic, and anthropomorphic data from medical documentation was followed by interviews with each senior and her caregiver. A questionnaire of authors’ own devising was used, along with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the scale of Behavioral Pain Assessment in the Elderly (DOLOPLUS). The results were subjected to statistical analysis, p < 0.05 was accepted as threshold of statistical significance. Results The main health complaints of nursing homes’ residents were constipation, diarrhea, back pain and dizziness. 44,38% of the residents self-assessed their health status as bad and complained of suffering pain (83,33%) and sleeping problems (72,98%) within the last month. According to BDI the average score was 17.01 points and 44,38% of seniors were free from depression or depressed mood. The average DOLOPLUS result was 8.86 points. Conclusion There are no significant differences, neither in prevalence of pain and symptoms of depression nor in average levels of quality of life, in elderly residents in institutions in the three studied European countries. The decrease in quality of life is mainly due to various complaints and pain and there is a close relationship between health status and quality of life. Further research should be performed in order to study interdependencies between the occurrence of pain and depression, including primary reasons leading to both phenomena. The recognition of factors that induce pain complaints and mood depression in elderly people will contribute to improving their comfort.

BackgroundThe incidence of chronic diseases increases with age; about 73% of people who are aged ≥60 years suffer from at least 1 chronic disease, and among those older than 70 years, chronic diseases afflict more than >84% of the population. According to epidemiological data, at least 4 chronic disease types coexist in senior citizens, causing their disability. These are mainly cardiovascular diseases; motor system diseases; ophthalmological, auditory, neurological, and mental diseases; and mental impairment. They worsen or limit self-dependence in everyday activities. The process begins with complex activities and advances with age. At first, functional performance deficits are discreet; then, they may gradually lead to complete dependence on other people or institutions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the relationship between diseases and health behaviors, as well as the everyday functioning of people aged ≥65 years staying in their home environment.MethodsThe research involved 504 elderly people. The inclusion criteria were age (≥65 years) and staying in one’s own home environment. The direct interview technique was applied, as well as use of proprietary interview questionnaire and standardized tools used in geriatrics: Barthel scale, measuring performance in everyday activities, and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, assessing complex everyday activities.ResultsThe most frequent disease among the responders was arterial hypertension (77.58%), followed by degenerative joint disease (62.10%), and circulatory failure (43.23%). Lower functional performance was associated with circulatory failure, cerebral stroke, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, degenerative joint disease, and bronchial asthma. Performance worsening significantly influenced the frequency of hospitalizations, with a mean score of 4.31 per person. Medical rehabilitation was practiced by 18.65% of the responders.ConclusionCirculatory failure, cerebral stroke, atherosclerosis, bronchial asthma, diabetes, degenerative joint disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease negatively affect functional performance in elderly people. Hospitalization rates increase with lowering independence in everyday functioning. Future research is needed with regard to the relationship between the practiced rehabilitation and independence in everyday functioning of the elderly.

Introduction. Stroke is currently among the most dangerous civilization diseases and the most common cause of death and secondary disability in people over 65 years of age. Disease-related disability significantly affects all spheres of human functioning, leading to dependence on third parties’ assistance. One of the most important activities to be undertaken in relation to a disabled patient is diagnosing the level of disability and implementing active efforts for the patient to regain optimal performance and/or accept the disability. Limitation in daily activities is a considerable stress factor that has a negative effect on the seniors’ recovery and becomes a cause of institutionalization. Aim. To investigate the impact of ischemic stroke on the level of independence in elderly people. Material and Methods. Medical records of 186 patients of a neurological ward were analysed. The majority of participants were women (55.91%), seniors aged 76–85 (36.02%), living in a city (55.38%) and being widowed (41.93%). The standardized Norton and Tinetti scales were applied in the analyses. Results. The most important factors influencing the incidence and course of stroke were the patient’s age and the presence of concomitant diseases: diabetes (81.72%) and arterial hypertension (73.65%). Among the stroke complications, the majority of patients presented aphasia (76.88%), hemiparesis (67.20%), dysphagia (63.44%) and urinary bladder dysfunction (60.21%). The study subjects were predominantly (86.56%) classified in the third category of care; 38.17% were referred for further rehabilitation in a post-hospital rehabilitation unit, 19.89% were referred to a medical care and treatment institution, and 19.36% died. The majority of the respondents achieved less than 14 points (77.96%) in the Norton scale and less than 19 points (34.41%) in the Tinetti scale. Conclusions. Ischemic stroke reduces or completely terminates the patient’s ability to function independently. The patient’s age is of greatest significance for the level of his independence and functioning immediately after ischemic stroke. (JNNN 2019;8(3):112–118) Key Words: ischemic stroke, disability, elderly people

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