OBJECTIVE: To describe and contextualize functional status of elderly people (greater or lesser than 60 years) in Bangladesh by relating it to gender, region, and socioeconomic status. METHODS: In this community-based study (N = 696), functional status was described through assessment of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Information was obtained on type of help used for ADLs and IADLs and reason for nonperformance of IADLs. RESULTS: Findings indicate differential performance in ADLs and IADLs by gender and region. Socioeconomic status is found to influence IADLs only. Empirical evidence regarding type of help used and reason for not performing a task enables understanding of sociocultural and structural influence on functional ability. DISCUSSION: The underlying assumption of ADL and IADL instruments that an individual will perform an activity given physical or cognitive ability is questioned. It is suggested that sociocultural and structural factors are strong determinants of task performance.
OBJECTIVE: To describe and contextualize functional status of elderly people (greater or lesser than 60 years) in Bangladesh by relating it to gender, region, and socioeconomic status. METHODS: In this community-based study (N = 696), functional status was described through assessment of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Information was obtained on type of help used for ADLs and IADLs and reason for nonperformance of IADLs. RESULTS: Findings indicate differential performance in ADLs and IADLs by gender and region. Socioeconomic status is found to influence IADLs only. Empirical evidence regarding type of help used and reason for not performing a task enables understanding of sociocultural and structural influence on functional ability. DISCUSSION: The underlying assumption of ADL and IADL instruments that an individual will perform an activity given physical or cognitive ability is questioned. It is suggested that sociocultural and structural factors are strong determinants of task performance.