Mobility Limitations and Difficulties in Activities of Daily Living Among Community-Dwelling Adults and Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Falls are among the most common unintentional injuries in older adults and represent a major public health challenge worldwide. In addition to the risk of fractures and hospitalizations, falls may compromise autonomy and increase care-related costs, which, when combined with chronic conditions, negatively affect social life and community participation. This study aimed to understand the difficulties experienced by individuals aged 50 years or older during daily activities, analyzing the impact of mobility on task performance and social integration. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Twenty-nine community-dwelling individuals (≥ 50 years) who were able to stand and ambulate, with or without assistance, were included. A sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the Mobility-Related Activities and Participation Profile (MRAPP), consisting of 18 items scored on a 0–4 scale, were administered. The mean age of participants was 64.9 years, and most were female (79.3%). The most prevalent conditions were hypertension (41.4%), diabetes (34.5%), and osteoarthritis/osteoporosis (27.6%). Nearly half (41.4%) reported falls in the previous year, and 58.6% reported remaining seated for more than four hours per day. The mean MRAPP score was 7.55 (SD = 11), with reported limitations in engaging in physical exercise (31.6%), driving or using public transportation (18.5%), caring for others (16.0%), and social activities, including dining out (14.2%) and visiting family members (13.8%). The presence of multimorbidity exacerbates functional decline and social isolation, highlighting the need for strategies that promote mobility, social participation, and fall prevention.