| Abstract [eng] |
Aging of the public population shows the improvement in living conditions and health care quality, still this process has its negative consequences as well. Because of aging, both the chronic diseases and specific conditions for the elderly are increasing, thus making bigger demands of older people for social and medical care and creating new economic challenges for the country. It is very difficult to replace or adjust the aging processes and their effects; however, if we take into account the factors that have an impact on health and their consequences the better preparation to solve these problems can be done. The aim of the research: to assess the residents of Vilnius city at the age of 65 and older living and their own subjective heath assessment. Objectives : 1. To define the living factors ( smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition and physical activity) distribution of the people at the age of 65 and older. 2. To assess the people’s health condition at the age of 65 and older. 3. To ascertain people's at the age of 65 and older subjective assessment of their own health. 4. To ascertain people's at the age of 65 and older subjective health condition links with the living factors distribution. 5. To ascertain people's at the age of 65 and older subjective health condition links with their common physical health. Methodology. In order to achieve the objectives and the aim of the study the interview method have been carried out, using the questionnaires developed for this study (Appendix 1). Questionnaires were anonymous. The survey was carried out at Antaviliai pension, Gerontology and Rehabilitation Center of Vilnius and primary health care facilities. The study included individuals at the age of 65 and older whose mental activity function was at least moderate cognitive impairments (at least 20 points). Results. 300 people of Vilnius city at the age of 65 and older were interviewed. 103 respondents (34,3 proc.) were from care institutions, 197 (65,7 proc.) – have been visited Vilnius primary health care facilities. Only 1,01 percent of the respondents assessed their health as very good and the largest part assessed their health on average - 53,69 percent. At present, 5,4 percent of respondents are smoking, 52,2 percent did not use any alcohol in the last 6 months, 33 percent used less frequently than once in a month. Daily alcohol consumption includes 1,7 percent of respondents. The majority of the respondents is of a low fhysical activity, the nutrition is not properly balanced. Conclusion.The majority of respondents do not smoke and their alcohol consumtion is moderate, but their physical activity is too low and diet is unbalanced. Most respondents assessed their health as average. |
