| Abstract [eng] |
All over the world population is rapidly aging. This creates new problems related to the economy, pension systems, health care. Because of the longer life expectancy morbidity, mortality and disability from chronic diseases increased. The chance of many chronic diseases and their consequences can be reduced, by allowing people to get better education, improving living conditions and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Proper nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption are particular important for the health maintenance. Aim: to evaluate factors which influence health in 65 years and older Vilnius population Goals: 1. Determine self-assessment of health status among 65 years and older population. 2. Determine the prevalence of behavioral risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and physical activity) among 65 years and older population. 3. Evaluate association between 65 years and older population self-assessment of health status and behavioral risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and physical activity). Methods. Survey was carried out in Vilnius. Interview method was used. The questionnaire prepared for this study was anonymous. The questionnaire consisted of 68 questions divided into six groups, which helped to clarify respondents mental functions, social and economic conditions, health status, health affecting risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and nutrition), level of sense of coherence and access level to health care services. During survey 65 years and older people living in care institutions and 65 years and older people from primary health care facilities were interviewed. Results. In this study 84 persons living in care institutions and 37 individuals from primary health care institutions were interviewed. Half of the respondents perceived their health as average, 40.5 per cent. – as good or very good, 9.9 – as bad and very bad. 3,3 per cent. of respondents smoke. 48.8 per cent. of respondents didn’t use any alcohol in the last six months. Most of the respondents didn’t get enough physical activity, their diet was not balanced. Association between respondents self-assessment of health status and diet and physical activity were found. Conclusion. Despite of the fact that most respondents assessed their health as average and better than average, their lifestyle is not entirely good. Although the majority of them do not smoke and their alcohol consumption is moderate, but their physical activity is too low and diet is unbalanced. |
