A study of physiological polymorphism of the biological rhythm in homebound elderly living alone and improvement of their Quality of Life

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1)The proportion of circadian rhythm abnormalities was significantly higher in the homebound elderly than in the non-homebound elderly. Analysis in relation to living alone or with someone, the proportion of circadian rhythm abnormalities was significantly higher in elderly living alone (the living-alone group) than in elderly living with someone (the shared-living group).2)In both the homebound group and the non-homebound group, two types of circadian rhythm abnormalities (the decreased-circadian-amplitude type and the no-boundary-between -day-and-night type) were recognized. In both the living-alone group and the shared-living group, the same types were recognized.3)The amount of activity and exposure to light were smaller in the homebound elderly than in the non-homebound elderly, suggesting that the decreases in activity and in the frequency of going outdoors was probably associated with an elevated proportion of circadian rhythm abnormalities. The amount of activity and exposure t … More o light were smaller in the living-alone group than in the shared-living group, suggesting that the activities of elderly living alone tended to be confined to a narrow area in and around their homes.4)The biosocial rhythm synchronization score, as rated by a questionnaire designed to determine the biosocial rhythm of daily living, was significantly lower in the homebound elderly than in the non-homebound elderly. Its score was significantly lower in the living-alone group than in the shared-living group. Among others, the social synchronization score was particularly low in the homebound group and living-alone group.5)In terms of the degree of independence in the activities of daily living, there was no marked difference between the homebound group and the non-homebound group. Furthermore, there was also no marked difference between the two groups in the degree of satisfaction with daily living or the presence/absence of hobbies. The same results were recognized between the living-alone group and the shared-living group. Less