Participation of the elderly after vision loss

Abstract

Purpose. To assess the degree of participation of the visually impaired elderly and to make a comparison with population-based reference data.

Method. This cross-sectional study included visually impaired elderly persons (≥55 years; n = 173) who were referred to a low-vision rehabilitation centre. Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) participation in: (1) domestic life, (2) interpersonal interactions and relationships, (3) major life areas, and (4) community, social and civic life was assessed by means of telephone interviews. In addition, we assessed perceived participation restrictions.

Results. Comparison with reference data of the elderly showed that visually impaired elderly persons participated less in heavy household activities, recreational activities and sports activities. No differences were found for the interpersonal interactions and relationships domain. Participants experienced restrictions in household activities (84%), socializing (53%), paid or voluntary work (92%), and leisure activities (88%).

Conclusions. Visually impaired elderly persons participate in society, but they participate less than their peers. They experience restrictions as a result of vision loss. These findings are relevant, since participation is an indicator for successful aging and has a positive influence on health and subjective well-being.

Keywords:

• Social participation
• elderly
• visual impairment
• quality of life
• leisure activities

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam for providing their data for this study. In addition, they are grateful to the people who participated in the study and to Royal Dutch Visio.

Declaration of interest

This study was supported by a grant (number: 94304003) from the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), research programme ‘InSight’, appointed by the Ministry of Health (VWS), and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).