Latent dependency classes according to the need for help: a population-based analysis for the older population

Abstract

Background Older adults living in the community may have daily needs for help to perform different types of activities. In developing countries, older adults face the additional challenge of lacking sufficient economic means to face their increasing needs with ageing, and health and social policies may be under pressure. The aim of this study was to assess dependency in the older population from a developing country using a latent class approach to identify heterogeneity in the type of activities in which dependent older adults require help. Methods In this cross-sectional evaluation of dependency, we considered individuals aged 60 years and older from a nationally representative study (N = 5138) in Uruguay. We fitted latent class regressions to analyse dependency, measured by the need for help to perform Activities of Daily Living, adjusted by sociodemographic characteristics. Results Four latent classes were identified, 86.4% of the individuals were identified as non-dependent, 7.4% with help requirements to perform instrumental activities while individuals in the other two classes need help to perform all types of activities with different degrees (4.3 and 1.9%). Less educated women are more likely to be in the group with needs in instrumental activities. Conclusions The heterogeneous patterns of dependency have to be addressed with different services that meet the specific needs of dependent older adults.

Latent class of multidimensional dependency in community-dwelling older adults: evidence from the longitudinal ageing study in India

“…Members of the “Psychological and physically impaired” group have a high probability of being widowed, physically impaired, psychologically impaired, and suffering from economic distress. In agreement with the previous study, the prevalence of dependency was very high in this group, and the members were predominantly female of older age [ 14 ]. This evidence is consistent with the “male-female survival health paradox” since females live longer than males and are more likely to depend on others for any ADL, IADL activities [ 42 ].…”

“…While evaluating the dependency status of older adults, many studies have used ADL and IADL separately as measures of dependency [ 10 – 12 ]. However, dependency is a heterogeneous and complex issue, and the dependency of each older adult is a synergistic combination of several domains of functional activities [ 13 , 14 ]. Therefore using only any single dependency measure to understand the complexity and heterogeneity of the dependency of older adults is not sufficient.…”

Profiles of older adults according to their life and food-related life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: the importance of the social environment

“…Indeed, the World Health Organization ( 5 ) highlights that chronological age is not an indicator of changes that come with aging. Older adults of the same age show considerable variations in health status, degree of disability and involvement in everyday and societal activities, and autonomy, among other variables ( 8 ).…”