Prevalence and determinants of activity of daily living and instrumental activity of daily living among elderly in India

Background The increase in life expectancy has proliferated the number of elderly and subsequently increased the prevalence of disability among the elderly. This study assesses the prevalence of Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) and analyzes determinants of ADL and IADL among elderly aged 60 and over living in India. Methods The study utilized the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017-18) data, and information was sought from 31,464 elderly aged 60 years and above. An index of ADL and IADL was created on a scale of three levels, exhibiting no, moderate, or severe levels of ADL/IADL disability. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the effect of socio-demographic parameters on ADL and IADL disability among the elderly. Results Around 3% of the elderly reported severe ADL disability, and 6% elderly reported severe IADL disability. Elderly who were not involved in any physical activity than their counterparts were more likely to report severe ADL (RRR = 2.68, C.I. = 1.66-4.32) and severe IADL (RRR = 2.70, C.I. = 1.98-3.67) than no ADL and no IADL, respectively. Conclusion Amidst the study finding, the study emphasizes the importance of setting-up of geriatric care centers in rural and urban areas. It would be feasible to provide geriatric care under the umbrella of already functioning government health facilities in different parts of the country. Community interventions earmarking the elderly with a focus on physical activity, specifically based in group physical exercise and implemented through existing networks, are rewarding for the elderly.