Changes in Physical Function, Mental Status, and Independence in Daily Activities of Older People in Wirobrajan, Yogyakarta

BACKGROUND: The increasing population of older people in Indonesia induces research to understand their characteristics and changes over time. These data are needed to develop appropriate health programs for older people. This study aimed to assess changes in the physical function, mental status, and independence in daily activities of older people within six months. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cohort study conducted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from August 2015 to February 2016. Study subjects were 30 older people aged 60-81 years in Wirobrajan, Yogyakarta. This study used Get Up and Go Test (GUG), Borg Scale and Berg Balance Scale to assess physical function, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) to assess mental status, and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) as well as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) to assess independence in daily activities. The data were measured twice with six month interval. The data were analyzed using paired t-test, Wilcoxon test and cluster analysis. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed: 1) A statistically significant decline in physical function as assessed in the GUG (p = 0.001) and BERG Balance Scale (p