Cited by 315Aging, Health, and DisabilityAssistive Technology in Communication and MobilityBalance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

The home environment and disability-related outcomes in aging individuals: what is the empirical evidence?

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Wahl, H.-W., Fange, A., Oswald, F., Gitlin, L. N., Iwarsson, S.·2009·The Gerontologist

Abstract

PURPOSE: Building on the disablement process model and the concept of person-environment fit (p-e fit), this review article examines 2 critical questions concerning the role of home environments: (a) What is the recent evidence supporting a relationship between home environments and disability-related outcomes? and (b) What is the recent evidence regarding the effects of home modifications on disability-related outcomes? DESIGN AND METHODS: Using computerized and manual search, we identified relevant peer-reviewed original publications and review articles published between January 1, 1997, and August 31, 2006. For Research Question 1, 25 original investigations and for Research Question 2, 29 original investigations and 10 review articles were identified. RESULTS: For Research Question 1, evidence for a relationship between home environments and disability-related outcomes for older adults exists but is limited by cross-sectional designs and poor research quality. For Research Question 2, evidence based on randomized controlled trials shows that improving home environments enhances functional ability outcomes but not so much falls-related outcomes. Some evidence also exists that studies using a p-e fit perspective result in more supportive findings than studies that do not use this framework. IMPLICATIONS: Considerable evidence exists that supports the role of home environments in the disablement process, but there are also inconsistencies in findings across studies. Future research should optimize psychometric properties of home environment assessment tools and explore the role of both objective characteristics and perceived attributions of home environments to understand person-environment dynamics and their impact on disability-related outcomes in old age.

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Authors
Wahl, H.-W., Fange, A., Oswald, F., Gitlin, L. N., & Iwarsson, S.
Affiliations
  • Heidelberg University (DE)
  • Thomas Jefferson University (US)
  • Lund University (SE)
Venue
The Gerontologist
Published
2009-05-06
Volume
49
Issue
3
Pages
355-367
ISSN
  • 0016-9013 (ISSN-L)
  • 1758-5341
OpenAlex
W2153217064
Cited by
315
References
90
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 30 · 2018: 24 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 29 · 2015: 28 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 28 · 2012: 17
FWCI
2.30
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • The Gerontologist (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Lund University Publications (Lund University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
National Institute on Aging (R01AG013687)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Aging, Health, and Disability
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation › Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention
Keywords
family environment, home modification, older adults, aging, person-environment fit, functional capacity, falls
MeSH terms
Activities of Daily Living, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Persons with Disabilities, Housing, Humans, Interior Design and Furnishings, Middle Aged

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