The perceived barriers and facilitators to the usage of mobility aids in older adults living in the community

Abstract

At the heart of physiotherapy practice lies a commitment to nurturing successful ageing, particularly in response to the evolving demographic landscape of Malta's ageing population. Despite the well-established benefits of mobility aids in mitigating the adverse effects of immobility-related deconditioning, reluctance towards their utilisation persists. This study was designed to investigate the viewpoints of older adults on the barriers hindering and motivators facilitating the use of mobility aids, with the overarching objective of pinpointing areas for improvements to guide healthcare professionals in promoting their adoption. A semi-structured interview featuring open-ended questions was implemented to answer the research question; “What factors within the Maltese setting motivate or limit the use of a mobility aid in older adults?” The interviews yielded rich insights from five Maltese community-dwelling older adults who were recruited from the physiotherapy outpatient department at Saint Vincent de Paul(SVP). Inclusion criteria comprised individuals aged sixty-five or older who had been utilizing frames, crutches, or sticks for at least one month. Following data collection, the reflexive thematic analysis uncovered three key themes: psychosocial dynamics, mobility aid equipment, and personal factors. The findings revealed prevalent barriers, namely inadequate infrastructure, and challenges in handling objects whilst using mobility aids, which consequently exacerbated difficulties in daily routines. Alternatively, improvements in balance and pain, facilitated safe mobility, thus fostering greater social interactions and independence in daily activities. This study's findings affirm that all types of mobility aids exhibit both facilitators and barriers, emphasizing the necessity of nationwide research to attain a holistic understanding of the topic. In essence, the research promotes improved accessibility to personalized mobility aids coupled with increased peer and physiotherapy support to address barriers and enhance usability, thereby making a significant contribution to the overall well-being of older adults.