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.
