The effect of chronic disease levels on physical activity, falls andbalance in retired individuals

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic disease levels on physical activity, falls and balance in retired individuals. A total of 80 individuals over 60 years of age who were members of the Türkiye Emekliler Derneği Karabük Branch and scored 24 or more from the Mini Mental State Test were included in the study. The age range of the individuals in the study was 60-81. Individual' s personal information, pain, fatigue, personal health perceptions, comorbidity levels, hand grip strength, falling frequency, falling fears, physical activity levels, balance and walking disorders, functional status and depression levels were examined. Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index, Tinetti Fall Efficacy Scale, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, Tinetti Balance and Gait Test were used in the evaluations. Individuals were divided into 3 groups as low (0-3), medium (4-5) and high (6-7) comorbidity level according to the score they got from the Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index. As a result of the study, it was determined that individuals with high chronic disease levels had lower levels of hand grip strength, balance and gait disturbance, physical activity level, functional status, fear of falling and depression levels (p <0.05). As a result; It was noted that as the level of chronic disease increases in retired individuals, physical activity levels decrease, balance and walking problems increase and decrease more frequently. It is generally accepted as a retirement age of 60 years and over in the world and it is an old age in retirement. It is extremely important to know the effects of chronic diseases that occur with the aging period, to apply correct, effective and timely treatment methods, to enable individuals to live their lives actively and to reduce the dependency caused by chronic diseases.