Identifying Health Risks and Needs of Older Adults
Iran's age distribution is changing, and soon the country will face a large elderly population. Given that non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis primarily affect adults and the elderly, it is important to assess the risk factors associated with these diseases in older individuals. These diseases are associated with various risk factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, insufficient physical activity, and overweight or obesity—most of which are preventable. In old age, individuals are also more likely to experience weakness, loneliness, depression, emotional distress, economic insecurity, poverty, functional limitations, disability, and a greater need for daily help.
Health systems in different countries conduct extensive research in geriatric health, with the purpose of describing the following:
1. Socio-economic status
2. Older adults’ health and well-being, with continuous monitoring of changes
3. Assessment of geriatric care special needs
4. Identification of demographic and health-related factors
5. Changes in physical and mental health, along with social participation or isolation among the elderly
6. Examining the interrelationships between a range of risk factors, protective factors, and aspects of healthy aging and longevity
7. Identification of high-risk groups as targets for preventive strategies and personalized care
8. Determination of essential infrastructure needs (such as social support, home care, etc.) to improve the current system or develop new initiatives for the elderly population.
Accordingly, by monitoring changes in health and well-being and assessing the diverse needs of the aging process, researchers at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences conducted a national study aimed at comprehensively evaluating various aspects of elderly health. This study involved 7,462 participants (3,962 women and 3,500 men) aged 50 to 95 years. Initially, following prior arrangements, trained staff visited the home and completed a general questionnaire and a screening tool related to domestic accidents, including falls. The participants receieved a study brochure in which the objectives of the study and any necessary preparations for visiting the study center were explained. Finally, three stages—visit, examination, and evaluation of the elderly—were conducted.The findings of the study revealed a total of 7,462 participants with a mean age of 61.3 years, most of whom were married, with approximately 53% being women. Regarding education and literacy, about 73% of participants were illiterate, while only 8.9% had an academic education. In terms of anthropometric indicators, only 2.4% (161 women) had a waist-to-hip ratio of less than 0.85, and one-quarter of the men (862 individuals) had a ratio below 0.9. The majority of participants were either obese or overweight, and only 7.22% had a healthy body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of diabetes was 17.5% (15.2% in men, 19.6% in women), high blood pressure was observed in 38.2% (32.3% in men, 43.5% in women), and elevated cholesterol levels were reported at 21.5% (18% in men, 24.6% in women). Overall, 3,295 participants (53%) had metabolic syndrome. Physical activity levels were also higher in men than in women.
Accordingly, by monitoring changes in health and well-being and assessing the diverse needs of the aging process, researchers at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences conducted a national study aimed at comprehensively evaluating various aspects of elderly health. This study involved 7,462 participants (3,962 women and 3,500 men) aged 50 to 95 years. Initially, following prior arrangements, trained staff visited the home and completed a general questionnaire and a screening tool related to domestic accidents, including falls. The participants receieved a study brochure in which the objectives of the study and any necessary preparations for visiting the study center were explained. Finally, three stages—visit, examination, and evaluation of the elderly—were conducted.The findings of the study revealed a total of 7,462 participants with a mean age of 61.3 years, most of whom were married, with approximately 53% being women. Regarding education and literacy, about 73% of participants were illiterate, while only 8.9% had an academic education. In terms of anthropometric indicators, only 2.4% (161 women) had a waist-to-hip ratio of less than 0.85, and one-quarter of the men (862 individuals) had a ratio below 0.9. The majority of participants were either obese or overweight, and only 7.22% had a healthy body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of diabetes was 17.5% (15.2% in men, 19.6% in women), high blood pressure was observed in 38.2% (32.3% in men, 43.5% in women), and elevated cholesterol levels were reported at 21.5% (18% in men, 24.6% in women). Overall, 3,295 participants (53%) had metabolic syndrome. Physical activity levels were also higher in men than in women.
In conclusion, by continuing this study, the primary causes of death and the most prevalent chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, in Neyshabur will be identified.
Dr. Seyyed Reza Mirhafiz