Jafar Yahyavi Dizaj, Sara Emamgholipour, Abolghasem Pourreza, Farogh Nommani, Somayeh Molemi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Population aging is one of the most important economic, social and health challenges of the twenty-first century. The increasing rate of aging in the population will increase the risk of households being confronted with catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aging on households' CHE in Iran.
Materials and Methods: The data on household income-expenditure were obtained from the annual Iranian Statistical Center reports for the period 2007-2016. The statistical technique used for data analysis was the regression Logit technique, the software for the final data analysis being the Excel and STATA.
Result: The results showed that increased numbers of elderly people in a household would increase the probability of the household being confronted with CHE. Additionally, the following households were also more likely to be at risk of CHE: urban families; female-headed families; those not owning private homes; those with no income or with an unemployed head; and those in the lower income deciles. Moreover, no insurance coverage would decrease the likelihood of a household to be at risk of CHE.
Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study and the aging of the Iranian population, it is essential that the government, in line with fair financing and reducing the economic burden of health expenditures on households with an elderly member, try, through special support packages for the elderly, to prevent confrontation of such families with catastrophic health expenditures.
Maryam Tajvar, Mehdi Yaseri, Roya Mahmoudi, Badriyeh Karami,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: “Active ageing” is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security of the elderly in order to enhance their quality of life. This study aimed to measure the Active Ageing Index (AAI) in Tehran at the individual level and determine its determinants.
Materials and Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study included 590 old people 55 years old and above, selected by randomized cluster sampling and interviewed at their homes in various areas of Tehran. The AAI tool, which includes 4 domains ─ employment, participation, secure/safe life and an empowering environment ─ and 22 indicators was used to measure active ageing. The association between individual characteristics of older people and their AAI scores was determined using the mixed-effect linear regression analysis method, with the STATA software.
Results: The overall AAI score in Tehran was found to be 26.8 out of 100, it being 33.9 and 20.6 for men and women, respectively. Being a women, older, poorer, and living alone or in a large family resulted in significantly lower AAI scores as compared to being a man, younger, richer, living with others, and living in a smaller family.
Conclusion: Iranian older people, particularly women, are experiencing relatively inactive lives. Their AAI scores are particularly low in the third and fourth domains. Considering the high rate of population aging in Iran, providing a safe environment for an active life for the elderly, particularly for the groups found to have a less active life, is a top priority.
