Mahtab Alizadeh, Hossein Fakhrzadeh, Farshad Sharifi, Nasibeh Zanjari, Siamaksiamak Ghassemi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (1-2014)
Abstract
Introduction: Studying of physical and mental health of older adults is important for health care services
to elderly. With increasing ageing population and chronic diseases among older people, the expenditure
of ageing services will increase. Thus, it is necessary to clear a cut point chronological age for starting
ageing career. The aim of this paper is to understand health differences between two cohorts (60-64 and
65-69) of older adults.
Methods: This study is cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study. Data collected by structured
questionnaire. The study population was 60 -64 and 65-69 cohort groups of older adults who living in
rural and urban areas of Tehran in 2011. The sample size was estimated 400 people those were chosen
using cluster sampling.
Findings: The findings of study showed significantly differences between two groups of older adults,
60-64 and 65-69, in terms of physical health that measured using activity of daily living(ADL) and
limitation of physical function. In contrast, there were no significant differences between two age groups
in psychological wellbeing and mental illness. Based on results, complementary health services can start
from 65 years old and providing counseling services according to women and men differences.
Sima Ghassemi, Baharak Najafi , Alireza Memari , Neda Nazari, Fariborz Bakhtiari, Mahtab Alizadeh Khoei, Seyed Masood Arzaghi, Shervan Shoaee, Neda Mehrdad, Farshad Sharifi,
Volume 13, Issue 6 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background: Falling is one of the health problems among aged population. Elderly living in institutions are at greater risk of falling than those dwellings in the community, due to their health status and environmental conditions. This study was designed and conducted aimed to address the factors affecting falls in Kahrizak Charity Foundation (KCF).
Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal study, which 194 of residents of KCF were participating in it with inclusion criteria were selected by Random Cluster sampling. They were enrolled after signing an informed consent. At baseline the data of demographic, lifestyle, past medical history and visual ability were collected by interviewing. The anthropometric measurements were performed as well. Cognitive status data were collected using abbreviated mental test (AMT) questionnaire and mini mental state examination (MMSE), balance status was assessed using the Tinetti mobility test (TMT) and its balance and gait sub- scores, depression was detected using the geriatric depression scale-15 (GDS-15). The participants were monitored for the falls occurrence its complications by daily call with caregivers and filling out the special forms for the recording of the falls occurrence by the head nurse. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariable Cox-regression models.
Results: The mean age of the participants was76.02 (8.82) years and the mean follow-up days was 754.40±189.26 days. 44 cases of falls were recorded during follow-up (over two years). The fall rate was 22.7 subjects per 100 participants per year. History of stroke, Parkinson's disease, visual loss, taking antidepressants, TMT score and TMT balance sub-score after adjustment (for age, sex, body mass index and survival time) were associated with falls.
Conclusion: The falls among nursing home elderly residents were associated with a history of chronic diseases such as stroke and Parkinson's diseases, visual acuity, use of antidepressants and the TMT and its balance sub score.
