Assessment of Disability and Factors Determining Disability among Inhabitants of South-Eastern Poland Aged 71–80 Years

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the level of disability in a sample of older people in south-eastern Poland and to identify any potential relationship between their profile of functioning and a complex set of variables including activities, participation, and contextual factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 800 people aged 71–80 years. The WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire was applied for the assessment of disability. RESULTS: A total of 43.88% of the interviewees showed a moderate level of disability, while 17.75% had severe or extremely high levels of disability. In addition, 7.75% of the interviewees had no functional limitations and 30.62% demonstrated a mild level of disability. The studied individuals reported the greatest difficulties with life activities such as cleaning, cooking, or shopping, followed by Limited Participation and then getting along. Age, number of chronic diseases, a low level of education, a low level of physical activity, poor living conditions, and lack of opportunities for daily help significantly contributed to higher levels of disability. CONCLUSIONS: Measures intended to reduce the level of disability in older adults should focus on improving medical care, health education, increasing physical activity, adapting housing to the needs of everyday functioning, and providing daily help.