Promoting Independence in the Elderly

The psychological, physical and behavioral dimensions of independence of thirty elderly people were assessed before, immediately after, and twelve weeks after a psychological intervention designed to promote their independence. Psychological, physical and social constraints on their independence were also monitored. Gains were shown by them on the psychological and physical dimensions of independence only. Few gains were retained at follow-up. Evidence of the effects of the constraints on gains was found, indicating that future interventions to promote independence in the elderly should include these constraints on independence as selection factors.