Health Conditions that Result in Disability in Adults

ABSTRACT

Under ElderShield, policyholders who are not able to perform at least 3 of the following ADLs, will be eligible for the insurance pay-outs. The conditions that result in disability in adults can be grouped into six Disorders from childhood – sequelae of infections, injuries, and intellectual disorders reach adulthood and contribute to the pool of adults with disability; Injuries – spinal cord injuries in younger adults, traumatic brain injury in young and old, musculoskeletal injury in particular hip fractures in the older adult; Cardiovascular system disorders - strokes, ischaemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy; Degenerative musculoskeletal disorders – osteoarthritis of the knee, hip; cervical and lumbar spondylosis. Health conditions with a high potential to result in ADL disability are strokes, pelvic/femoral fractures, and osteoporosis. Prevention of strokes through attention to the high risk diseases (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia). In the elderly, falls is an important cause of traumatic brain injury and musculoskeletal injury. Patients on hypnotic drugs, cough preparations and anti-platelets were more likely to fall. Appropriate usage of analgesics, especially paracetamol, to relieve pain may reduce falls.