在宅高齢者の地域力を活かした介護予防プログラムの試み

Trial of a Preventive Care Program Conducted in a Community Bolstered by Its Elderly Members

要旨

　本研究は，A貯筋教室の高齢者32名（76.8±6.2歳）を対象に，自宅で実施できる身体と口，頭の体操からなる介護予防プログラム「活きいき体操プログラム」の効果と，自宅での実施継続を検討した．

　2013年と2014年の認知機能，うつ傾向，握力，片足立ち，嚥下機能について介入前後をt検定で比較し，教室への参加頻度と自宅での週1回以上の実施有無との関連を調べた．

　結果，参加頻度と自宅での実施に差はなく，身体と頭の体操87％，口の体操65％が実施していた．介入前後の改訂版長谷川式簡易知能評価スケール得点は27.9±2.9点から28.6±2.4点と有意に向上した（p = .02）．うつ傾向，握力，片足立ち，嚥下機能に差は見られず維持していた．

　「活きいきプログラム」は，地域力を用いて自宅で実施することが可能な介護予防のプログラムであり，認知機能の向上と身体機能の維持に寄与する可能性が示唆された．

　We examined the effect and practicality of a preventive care program (including physical, psychological, and cognitive exercises) conducted to utilize the regional power of the elderly.

　The participants used the “A-CYOKIN-KYOUSHITU.” The preventive care program developed to be conducted at home is called the “IKI-IKI TAISOU PROGRAM.” The participants engaged in physical exercise, song time, and tea time activities once a week in the “ A-CYOKINKYOUSHITU.” The cognitive, physical, and psychological function of 32 participants measured using the Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS), handgrip strength and 30-second one-leg standing with vision, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), respectively, were appraised and compared before and after the preventive care program. The participants' the physical functions stayed the same after the intervention.

　The HDS score improved after the intervention from 27.9 ± 2.9 to 28.6 ± 2.4 (p = .02). The physical and cognitive exercises were performed by 87% of the participants. Further, the preventive care program “IKI-IKI TAISOU PROGRAM” can be conducted at home by the elderly.

　We found that the “IKI-IKI TAISOU PROGRAM” can help to improve cognitive functions and maintain physical functions among the elderly. It is important to foster and use the strength that the elderly provide to their community.