주택 내 보조설비가 미국 노인들의 생활기능 감소로 인한 주거이동에 미치는 영향

The Effect of Built-Environment Features on Relocation among American Older Persons with Decline in Functional Ability

Functional ability is an important criterion to predict the capability of older persons to maintain independent living in the community setting. This study focused on the effect of built-environment features to ameliorate declines in functional ability and reduce the likelihood of relocation. Using longitudinal data from the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (1993, 1995), relocation was analyzed for 6,225 respondents aged 70 or older. Findings are that while functional decline in household activities of daily living among older persons increased their residential moves in the community, functional declines in basic activities of daily living, household activities of daily living, and advanced activities of daily living among them increased their entrance into an institutional care facility However, they were less likely to enter an institutional care facility when their home was equipped with built-environment features such as street level ramps, special railings, modifications to allow someone in a wheelchair, grab bars or shower seat in the bathroom, and special call device or system to get help.