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<p>Background: Social interaction is a very important subject for the elderly,</p><p>especially in the context of active aging. Aim: This study aims to investigate the</p><p>effect of physical performance levels of the elderly living in rural and urban areas</p><p>on social participation, social functioning, and quality of life. Methods: A total of</p><p>418 volunteer elderly aged 65 and over, living in rural (42.3%) and urban (57.7%)</p><p>areas, participated in this study. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Short Physical</p><p>Performance Battery, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale for Older</p><p>Adults, Social Functioning Scale, and the Community Integration Questionnaire were</p><p>applied to participants. Results: The scores of social functioning (P = 0.027) and the</p><p>social network subscale of social participation (P = 0.001) were significantly higher</p><p>among participants living in urban areas compared to those living in rural areas.</p><p>Physical performance was positively correlated with social participation (r = 0.404)</p><p>and social functioning (r = 0.324) at a moderate level (P = 0.000), and with quality</p><p>of life at a low level (r = 0.158) (P = 0.001). Social participation was positively</p><p>correlated with social functioning at a high level (r = 0.572) and with quality of</p><p>life at a moderate level (r = 0.300) (P = 0.000). Social functioning was positively</p><p>correlated with quality of life at a low level (r = 0.234) (P < 0.01). Conclusion:</p><p>To increase social participation, social functioning, and quality of life among the</p><p>elderly, it is necessary to keep physical performance levels higher. In addition,</p><p>in the planning of social participation, it is crucial to take into account where the</p><p>elderly live in.</p> |
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