ABSTRACT
Mobility aids, particularly power wheelchairs, are necessary for elderly individuals who have health problems and disabilities. However, there is a limitation in providing power wheelchairs for such people in the community. The objectives of this study were to develop a prototype for a simplified power wheelchair and develop and evaluate a training program that has the potential to encourage evaluation and modification of the wheelchair for the elderly and their caregivers in the community. Twenty-four participants consist of elderly people and caregivers who were interested in the training program that comprised two sessions: theory and fieldwork experience. Results showed that the elderly people and caregivers, who had no knowledge or experience of wheelchair modification, were able to learn and provide suggestions for wheelchair users in their community. Two themes emerged from evaluating the training program, which included "benefits from the training program" and "improvement of the training program in the future." Key concepts were elicited and considered in six categories: sufficient knowledge and practical learning to build confidence, values of fieldwork experiences, team support, organizational support, expansion of various contexts, and system of continued connection and services after training.
Subject(s)
Disabled Persons , Occupational Therapy , Wheelchairs , Aged , Caregivers , Humans , Independent LivingABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction Thailand's population is aging rapidly. Thus, it is necessary to enable elderly people to be independent and actively participate in daily occupations. Objective To describe the time used by elderly people at the low active aging level in a suburban village, in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Method The study was qualitative research, using the narrative interview method. Three case studies on the low level of active aging were collected by following an interview-based guideline. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results The results showed that elderly people at the low active aging level spent their time in varied activities, depending on personal factors and their contexts. Elderly people participate in different occupations of everyday life, which consist of activities of daily living and self-care, the instrumental activities of daily living, leisure, and work. Conclusion It was found that elderly people spent their time in four main categories: Activities of daily living, Instrumental ADL, leisure, and work. Enabling elderly people to increase active aging by continuing engagement in social participation and education is still challenging.
Resumo Introdução A população da Tailândia está envelhecendo rapidamente. Assim, é necessário que os idosos sejam independentes e participem ativamente das suas ocupações diárias. Objetivo Descrever o tempo utilizado por idosos com baixo nível de envelhecimento ativo. Método Utilizando o método de entrevista narrativa, três estudos de caso foram coletados seguindo uma diretriz baseada em entrevista. Resultados O resultado mostrou que os idosos com baixo nível de envelhecimento ativo despendiam seu tempo em atividades variadas, dependendo de fatores pessoais e de seus contextos. Os idosos participam de diferentes ocupações da vida cotidiana, que consistem em atividade de vida diária e autocuidado, atividade instrumental de vida diária, lazer e trabalho. Conclusão Um equilíbrio das ocupações diárias pode ser destacado para possibilitar o envelhecimento ativo dos idosos.
ABSTRACT
Elderly populations are growing rapidly worldwide, thus enhancing an increasing need for their independent health care, productivity, and most importantly, balance of occupations. This research is aimed at investigating the active ageing levels and time use patterns of an elderly population attending the Community Elderly School in a suburban village of northern Thailand. These participants comprised 140 persons aged 60 years and older and were without cognitive deficits, based on the Mini-Mental State Examination. Active ageing levels and time use patterns were collected by following an interview-based questionnaire. The results showed that the level of active ageing was moderate (mean active ageing index (AAI) was 0.79). All of the participants used their time in varied activities, including the seven categories: basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, rest and sleep, education, work, leisure, and social participation. Furthermore, they spent most of their time resting and sleeping.
