Heath profile of elderly people through active ageing framework in a community, Nakornnayok province

Abstract

Health status of people in a community should be inspected in order to entering an ageing society. A health profile survey is an important first step. This study aimed to determine the health profile of an elderly population by using the active ageing framework. The survey was conducted in residents aged 60 or more in the Choomphol subdistrict, Ongkharak, Nakhonnayok, Thailand. Volunteers were selected by a stratified random sampling technique. The health profile questionnaire was used for interviewing and data collecting Among 195 participants, 59.0% were females and 41.0% were males, aged 60-94 years. According to active ageing framework health dimension, the first dimension – health condition- the results showed that 43.6% had health problems including visual problems (62.1%), memory loss (48.7%), sleeping problem (38.5%), depression (13.3%), dementia (21.6%). Their self dependency measured by Barthel ADL Index, the results indicated that 1.0% had no or little self dependence. In the second dimension security dimension, 60% were living with their spouse and their offspring played a major role in their living security and financial support. On the participation dimension, 65.6% engaged in religious practice and 55.9% engaged in community service. The presenting survey results emphazied further preparation for these 3 dimensions within the context of community.