Activity diversity and physical quality of life in cognitively intact long-term care residents: A cross-sectional pilot study

Abstract

Introduction:

Although a minority, there are residents with intact cognitive function in long-term care facilities. The residents experience a severe loss of opportunities to participate in activities. Meanwhile, quality of life (QoL) is rated as more important for the residents than for those living with dementia. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the number of activities in cognitively intact residents and to examine the association with health-related QoL (HRQoL).

Methods:

This cross-sectional pilot study assessed daily activities and HRQoL in 45 cognitively intact residents (34 females, mean age: 85.4 ± 7.0) from 3 Japanese facilities. Linear mixed models were used to analyse associations between activities and QoL. Propensity score matching was used to compare residents’ activity and QoL with community-dwelling older adults.

Results:

Residents participated in significantly fewer activities (12.5 activities, p < 0.001) and had lower physical component summary scores than community-dwelling older adults (p < 0.001). Social activities were positively associated with the physical component of the SF-36 (B = 2.5, p = 0.002).

Conclusion:

The study highlights the need for further research into whether increasing opportunities for social activities within facilities may improve QoL. Occupational therapists should focus on integrating diverse and socially engaging activities into facility programmes.