Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Most of us take mobility for granted, but for many senior citizens the reality is quite different. About half of senior citizens (65 years or older) report difficulties in mobility that affect their wellbeing, daily routine and ability to participate in social life. Physical symptoms, such as muscle weakness, poor balance and pain are some of the factors that relate to mobility and participation in social life, and all can influence quality of life. Yet this is only part of the reality. There are other factors that may play an important role in mobility and social participation. In fact, emerging evidence indicates that physical symptoms are highly influenced by other factors such as psychological (e.g. fear) and environmental (e.g. neighborhood safety) factors that may increase the risk of physical disability. The influence of these "non-physical" factors has not received adequate attention from researchers. The overall aim of this research program is to understand how these "non-physical" risk factors contribute to the relationships among physical symptoms, mobility disability and social participation for frail senior citizens living in the community at five international sites. We aim also to understand how these factors interact to influence quality of life. This project will be part of a funded study of mobility in seniors at five cities: Kingston and Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada; Tirana, Albania; Manizales; Colombia; and Natal, Brazil. The complex nature of mobility and disability creates challenges in understanding them, yet it provides ample opportunities to treat them. Studying the way in which different factors influence mobility, social participation and quality of life in senior citizens will enhance our understanding of why some people adjust better than others and allow measures to be taken to prevent the costly transition to disability. Recommendations from these studies will help in developing treatments to improve overall mobility and quality of life.