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Longitudinal Examination of the Functional Status of Older Adults: Successful Aging Within a Representative Canadian Sample

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Norm O'Rourke
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa
Richard MacLennan
Affiliation:
University of Regina
Thomas Hadjistavropoulos
Affiliation:
University of Regina
Holly Tuokko
Affiliation:
University of Victoria

Abstract

Palmore, Nowlin, and Wang (1985) posit a theoretical framework in which to predict the health status of older adults over time as a function of social, economic, physical and mental health variables. The current study provides the first independent, empirical test of this model based upon longitudinal data derived from a representative sample of older British Columbians. The results of this study support the basic structure of the Palmore model; however, various revisions were required to improve the fit of data. Findings indicate that demographic and socio-economic variables have a direct effect upon functional status at baseline. Results further suggest significant consistency in the functional status of older adults over a two-year interval. Directions for future research as well as limitations of the current study are discussed.

Résumé

Palmore, Nowlin, et Wang (1985) proposent un cadre de travail permettant de prédire l'état de santé des aîné(e)s dans le temps en fonction des variables sociales, économiques, physiques et mentales. L'étude courante fournit le premier test distinct et empirique du genre basé sur des données longitudinales tirées d'un échantillonnage représentatif d'aîné(e)s de la Colombie-Britannique. Les résultats de l'étude soutiennent la structure fondamentale du modèle Palmore; cependant, il a fallu effectuer plusieurs révisions pour améliorer l'adéquation des données. Les résultats indiquent que les variables démographiques et socio-économiques ont un effet direct sur les capacités fonctionnelles de base. Ils font également ressortir une uniformité significative des capacités fonctionnelles des aîné(e)s dans un intervalle de deux ans. Le texte traite aussi de l'orientation que prendra éventuellement la recherche ainsi que les limites de l'étude en cours.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2000

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