Mohammad Taghi Karimian - Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Sonja Düllmann - Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Wolfgang Senf - Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Sefik Tagay - Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the use of assistive technology, social support in everyday life and psychological existential orientation for individuals with physical disabilities.  Methods: Forty-six elderly persons with physical disabilities (aged ۷۳.۷±۱۰.۶ years, range ۵۳-۹۳ years) were examined with regard to the use of assistive technology, social support in everyday life and psychological existential orientation by an extensive questionnaire set (questionnaire for assistive technology (AT-۲۴), questionnaire for social support (F-SOZU-K-۲۲) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)).  Results: The subjects stated that they needed aid and social support in order to carry out their daily indoor/outdoor activities (for e.g. dressing, having a bath / shower, using toilet, eating, going up / down the stairs, shopping, or going out). The most commonly used mobility aid was the walking frame that accounted for ۶۱.۹%, followed by the walking stick with ۴۰.۵% and a bathtub lift with ۲۱.۴%. The results also showed the psychopathological symptoms in the sample.  Discussion: Assistive technologies together with the support of relatives and care services help people to cope with a variety of activities in their daily lives with fewer restrictions. The effectiveness of the aids differs between participants because it depends on several factors such as health, knowledge, and information about aids, as well as the appropriate selection of aids.

Elderly with disabilities, Assistive technology, Social support, Independent living, Psychological distress