• T İ Parpucu, T Keskin, Z Başkurt, and F Başkurt.
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Süleyman Demirel University Isparta, Turkey.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2024 Mar 1; 27 (3): 297303297-303.

BackgroundSocial interaction is a very important subject for the elderly, especially in the context of active aging.AimThis study aims to investigate the effect of physical performance levels of the elderly living in rural and urban areas on social participation, social functioning, and quality of life.MethodsA total of 418 volunteer elderly aged 65 and over, living in rural (42.3%) and urban (57.7%) areas, participated in this study. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Short Physical Performance Battery, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale for Older Adults, Social Functioning Scale, and the Community Integration Questionnaire were applied to participants.ResultsThe scores of social functioning (P = 0.027) and the social network subscale of social participation (P = 0.001) were significantly higher among participants living in urban areas compared to those living in rural areas. Physical performance was positively correlated with social participation (r = 0.404) and social functioning (r = 0.324) at a moderate level (P = 0.000), and with quality of life at a low level (r = 0.158) (P = 0.001). Social participation was positively correlated with social functioning at a high level (r = 0.572) and with quality of life at a moderate level (r = 0.300) (P = 0.000). Social functioning was positively correlated with quality of life at a low level (r = 0.234) (P < 0.01).ConclusionTo increase social participation, social functioning, and quality of life among the elderly, it is necessary to keep physical performance levels higher. In addition, in the planning of social participation, it is crucial to take into account where the elderly live in.Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice.

11 keywords...

hide…