Loss of independence at home is associated with an increased risk of death

Increasing difficulties in performing usual household activities were associated with an increased risk of death. This includes, for example, preparing meals, shopping, traveling, paying bills and taking medications yourself. The study by Yense University scientists was published in the journal GeroScience.

Scientists analyzed data from 6,033 South Korean residents over the age of 45. From 2006 to 2014, participants reported how independently they could cope with ten everyday tasks.

For the majority—5,757 people—the ability to independently conduct daily life remained virtually unchanged. However, for 276 participants, the need for assistance gradually increased.

Over the subsequent years, it was not possible to save 187 people from this group, while among the participants with consistently high independence there were 1067 people. After controlling for age, chronic disease, income, physical activity and other factors, poorer ability to perform household tasks was associated with about a twofold increased risk of death.

The researchers also found that people who experienced a loss of autonomy were more likely to experience symptoms of depression. According to the researchers' calculations, they could explain about 16 percent of the identified connection.

The authors emphasize that difficulties with everyday activities do not in themselves lead to early death. However, a gradual loss of independence may be a sign of deteriorating physical or mental health and a reason to pay attention to the person’s condition.