Limitations in Activities of Daily Living and Its Perceived Causes among Older Singaporeans

Chetna Malhotra, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore
Angelique Chan, National University of Singapore
Rahul Malhotra, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore
Truls Østbye, Duke University and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore

The objective of this paper is to examine the association of limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) with various health conditions, assess perceived causes of ADL limitations, and compare prevalence of health conditions among those who perceive only 'old age' versus those who perceive at least one specific health condition as the cause of their limitations. Data from a nationally representative survey of Singaporeans 60 years and over was used. The overall prevalence of ADL limitations was found to be 9.7%. The most common perceived cause of ADL limitations was ‘old age’ (33%). The prevalence of most health conditions was similar in older adults attributing their limitations to only 'old age' and to at least one specific health condition. Findings suggest that clinical suspicion is called for if individuals with ADL limitations attribute their limitations solely to 'old age'.