Multidimensional functional assessment on health status of the elderly and affecting factors

  Objective   To evaluate the health status of community-dwelling elderly people in Fuzhou and explore the affecting factors.

  Methods   1 767 residents aged 65 years and elder were selected to be interviewed and multidimensional functional assessment was carried out. Health evaluation in 5 dimensions included activities of daily living (ADL), physical health, mental health, social support and economic situation.

  Results   The comprehensive assessment indicated that constituent ratios of good, general and poor health status were 47.1%, 44.6% and 8.3%, respectively.The prevalence rates of health impairment in 5 dimensions ranged between 37.7% and 74%, and among them physical health impairment rate was the highest. Main chronic diseases affecting health level were hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.

  Conclusion   Prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, marriage and family care, proper physical exercise, nutritious food, social and recreational activities were helpful to improve the health status of the elderly.