Use of music in occupational therapy dedicated to the people in their older years

Music accompany us since our childhood. We can use it to create our mood, regulate tension or to become well-disposed towards doing certain actions. Richness of musical world has been used therapeutically for ages, regardless of geographical location, and benefits connected with it have universal value. This article aims to display some possible uses of music, as a factor supporting occupational therapy dedicated to people in their older years. According to ongoing demographic changes and aging of human population, needs of this group are respected by growing throng of specialists responsible for holistic approach to treatment

Sleep quality disorders among the people of old and presenile age

According to the newest research over the half of geriatric population suffers from sleep disorders. Lowered quality of sleep has got a negative influence on biopsychosocial functioning of an individual. The aim of the study was to define the magnitude of the problem of sleep quality disorders occurrence in the elderly. The research for the study was carried out by means of anonymous survey which consists of two questionnaires: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a survey constructed for the sake of the study. 100 people took part in the study and the survey was aimed at people over the age of 50. The research showed that over one fifth of the subjects assess their sleep as rather bad and significant correlations between lengthening the time needed to fall asleep and waking up at night or before dawn and the lack of energy

Cognitive disorders and fitness of the elderly in residential homes in Bydgoszcz

Introduction. Process of ageing and the growing number of people in retirement age is one of the main problems of the modern world. Together with advancing age both fitness and mental capacity deteriorate. Research proves that there is dependence between cognitive functions and fitness of the elderly. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare fitness with cognitive functions among residents of residential home in Bydgoszcz. Material and methods. 59 people (35 women and 24 men) at the age of 60 to 98 participated in the study. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive functions. Fitness was assessed by means of Tinetti Test. The subjects were divided according to a) age: group 60-75 and 75+ and b) gender. Results. Negative correlation was observed between age and Tinetti Test results. In the study there was positive and moderate correlation between MMSE scale and Tinetti Test results. In Tinetti Test results regarding differences due to gender were close to statistical significance. Conclusions. There is a dependence between age and weakening of fitness in the elderly in residential homes in Bydgoszcz. Risk of falls increases with age. There is a dependence between cognitive functions disorders and fitness of the elderly from residential homes in Bydgoszcz