Comparative Study of Physical and Mental Health status of old people in aged groups of 60-64 and 65-69 years old in Tehran metropolitan area

Studying of physical and mental health of older adults is important for health care services to elderly. With increasing ageing population and chronic diseases among older people, the expenditure of ageing services will increase. Thus, it is necessary to clear a cut point chronological age for starting ageing career. The aim of this paper is to understand health differences between two cohorts (60-64 and 65-69) of older adults. This study is cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study. Data collected by structured questionnaire. The study population was 60 -64 and 65-69 cohort groups of older adults who living in rural and urban areas of Tehran in 2011. The sample size was estimated 400 people those were chosen using cluster sampling. The findings of study showed significantly differences between two groups of older adults, 60-64 and 65-69, in terms of physical health that measured using activity of daily living(ADL) and limitation of physical function. In contrast, there were no significant differences between two age groups in psychological wellbeing and mental illness. Based on results, complementary health services can start from 65 years old and providing counseling services according to women and men differences.