Interventions to improve mobility for older adults in Ciudadela San Francisco, Ecuador

Abstract

This study was conducted in the city of Tulcán, Ecuador, with the group of older adults from the Ciudadela San Francisco, aiming to implement an intervention plan to improve their mobility. The research addressed limitations associated with geriatric syndromes that affect functional independence and proposed strategies to maintain autonomy in this population. A descriptive, correlational, field, and bibliographic research design was employed, under a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach. The methods used included the Analytical-Synthetic, Inductive-Deductive, and Historical-Logical methods, as well as observation and a structured questionnaire based on the Katz and Barthel indices for data collection. A total of 61 older adults participated, and the results showed that 61% of those affected were women, and 66% of cases of immobility were due to chronic diseases. Additionally, 74% of participants consume between 1 and 2 medications daily, and 63% move independently. These findings facilitated the design of an intervention plan focused on activities such as dance therapy, stretching, and walking, complemented by health education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The validation of the proposal demonstrated significant improvements in mobility and a reduction in functional dependence. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that specific interventions and health education can contribute to preserving mobility, autonomy, and quality of life among older adults