Evaluation of Health Indices among the Elderly in Isfahan Province, Iran, During 2012-2014

Although aging population is a positive result of development, many negative consequences may occur if policy makers are not prepared for the related changes. Therefore, the researchers decided to determine the health status indices in Isfahan elderly for future interventions.
This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 4321 individuals. The subjects were selected through random stratified multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Iranian Elderly Lifestyle and Health Status Questionnaire with approved reliability and validity. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test in SPSS software.
Findings: In the present study, 78.5% of the subjects had a chronic disease; 62.8%, 44.1%, and 43.6% sleep disorders, hypertension, and forgetfulness, respectively. With mean scores of 143.5 and 58 in healthy lifestyle and quality of life (QOL), respectively, men had a better health status compared with women.
Chronic diseases are prevalent among the elderly. Therefore, policy makers should pay more attention to the health demands of this age group. In addition, the lifestyle and QOL scores of the elderly was higher than average; thus, more comprehensive and detailed healthy lifestyle education and health care programs can improve their QOL and health status.