Alfred Health News

A patient's age alone should not dictate their daily tasks, according to the researchers of a new study.

Caulfield Hospital occupational therapists Laura Jolliffe, Lisa Eyres and Associate Professor Natasha Lannin have found that inpatients over 90 years are largely active, with their study: "Don't write me off: understanding participation in occupations of people aged over 90 admitted to an acute hospital".

The study analysed 52 inpatients aged 90 years and over admitted to acute general medical, surgical and orthopaedic wards.  Participants were excluded if they were admitted for palliative management or from a high level care facility. 

"While the 90 plus population are thought to have limited participation in daily tasks, there are still many who are able to engage in meaningful daily occupations," Ms Jolliffe said.

"We found a significant proportion of older adults are leading active, engaged and fulfilled lives, with more than half of the study participants independent in self-care tasks, mobility and managing medications.

"Many people need to make some adaptations but are still able to participate in normal activities, which is important for their health and wellbeing."

Australia now has one of the world's leading life expectancies. 

"As our population continues to age, it's become more common to have people aged 90 years and over who can look after themselves and contribute to the community. A small percentage - eight per cent - were still driving and four per cent were working voluntarily in the community," Ms Joliffe added.

"Unfortunately society perceptions of ageing are often of decreasing ability and health professionals, like others, can rely on stereotypes and make assumptions based on chronological age, ignoring functional ability.

"We hope this study will remind health care professionals to advocate for and not ‘write off' this growing population."

The next step is to develop a full analysis of the functional capacity and risk for this population group.