The use of assistive devices and change in use during the ageing process among very old Swedish people

Purpose: To investigate the characteristics and change in use among very old Swedish users and non-users of assistive devices (ADs) for mobility and personal care, over a six-year period, and to investigate factors predicting AD use over a six-year period. Method: Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyse quantitative data from a subsample from the Swedish part of the ENABLE-AGE Survey Study, n = 154. Variables according to socio-demographics, environment and health were utilized. Results: The number of users increased over time, particularly those using both types of ADs (mobility and personal care). There were differences in health between users and non-users, while no such differences were seen regarding socio-demographics or environmental factors. Health factors most prominent predicted AD use after six years, but also variables within socio- demographics and the environment had an impact on the use; income for ADs for personal care and aspects in the outdoor environment for ADs for mobility. Conclusions: As ADs increases over time, it is important, to pay attention to health as well as other factors, among users and non-users of ADs, to provide important information in planning for and supporting healthy and active ageing