Visual impairments, functional and health status, and life satisfaction among elderly bedouins in Israel

Esther Iecovich, Richard E. Isralowitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Age-related vision impairment is a major cause of functional limitations. It often affects their social, emotional, mental and physical well-being as well as ability to everyday functioning. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of visual impairment on daily functioning and subjective well-being of elderly Bedouins. The study cohort included 88 elderly Bedouins 60 years old and more, who participated in a day-care center program located in a Bedouin town in the southern region of Israel. The findings show that that the majority of the respondents have visual problems in terms of close and distance sight. Visual impairment was found significantly correlated with perceived daily functioning and health status as well as sense of life satisfaction; those having visual problems reported more problems with performing activities of daily living, their health status is more deteriorated and their life satisfaction level is lower compared with those not having visual problems. A discussion of the findings is provided in terms of policy and services provision for the elderly. Also, recommendations are provided for additional research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)71-87
Number of pages17
JournalAgeing International
Volume29
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)

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