Musculoskeletal conditions are negatively impacting the quality of life of older people living in residential aged care facilities, Australian research shows.

A study of 490,325 people in the Registry of Senior Australians admitted to residential aged care between 2004 and 2014 found 40.2% of residents had a musculoskeletal condition, with arthritis accounting for 90% of those.

The study also showed the prevalence of musculoskeletal or arthritis conditions increased between 2004 and 2014.

“Activity limitations most strongly associated with having a musculoskeletal condition were those related to domestic tasks (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.39- 1.49), home maintenance (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.10-1.13), transport (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.07-1.13) and social activities (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.14-1.19).”

The full press release based on this scientific publication is available in the Limbic Rheumatology which can be accessed here.