Functional and Health Domains Among the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The global rise in life expectancy highlights the need to understand functional abilities and intrinsic capacity in older adults to promote healthy aging. This study examined physical activity engagement and functional status among elderly residents in selected barangays of San Fernando City, La Union, focusing on demographic profiles, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and intrinsic capacity. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design included 359 adults aged 60 years and above from Barangays Carlatan, Catbangen, Lingsat, Poro, and San Francisco, using convenience sampling with quota allocation. Standardized instruments were employed, including the Katz ADL Scale, Lawton IADL Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, automated digits-in-noise hearing test, and Snellen Chart. Respondents were mostly of advanced age, predominantly female, with secondary education, low socioeconomic status, and multiple chronic conditions. Functional ability was largely preserved, with 94.2% maintaining independence in ADLs, whereas IADL independence was more variable, with 40.7% demonstrating high independence. Intrinsic capacity assessments revealed relatively preserved locomotion, with 64.1% able to sustain normal mobility, and vitality results indicated that several were at risk of malnutrition. Cognitive function was largely intact, with most individuals showing normal cognition, and psychological status remained stable, with minimal signs of depression. Sensory domains, however, showed a significant decline: 46.5% reported hearing impairment and 81.3% reported vision impairment. These findings underscore the need for community-based health programs that address sensory decline while sustaining nutrition, cognition, and psychological resilience to promote functional independence and healthy aging among the elderly.