SIVARAJAH, N2011-02-142011-02-1419851985SIVARAJAH, N, Study of the health and socio-economic conditions of the elderly, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo PGIM , 1985: p.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/127828Dissertation: MD (Community Medicine), Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM , 1985.This study was undertaken to obtain demographic and socioeconomic data and particulars relating to morbidity, personal care capacity, utilization of health services, habits, recreation and attitudes of old people. Old age is hard to define, since aging is a process, which starts from birth. In this study personable age of 55 years was taken as the dividing line between middle age and old age, and those who were 55 years and above were included in the study. The study area had a population of 28086, with 11.8 percent, being 55 years and above. The study was carried out in two phases. In phase I, general data was, collected from 3344 persons 55 years and above, living in the area. In phase II a 2 percent sample of the elders interviewed were medically examined. The coverage in phase I was almost 100 percent and in phase II it was 87.8 percent. During phase 1,69.6 percent of the 3344 elders were personally interviewed, and in the case of 19 percent of the elders the questionnaire was answered by the spouse or child living with the elder. Unlike in the more developed countries where two thirds of the elderly population are females, in this study, there were an almost equal number of males and females except in the 55-59 years old age group where females constituted 58.2 percent. Only 7.7 percent of the elders were living alone. Most of the elders were living with their spouses, and when the partner is no longer living, they lived with their children - preferably the female children. Out of the 3344 elders, 24.4 percent were employed; two thirds of them were in the 55-64 years old age group. The percentage of elders who have had no schooling was 13.3 percent compared to 34.2 percent for Sri Lanka. Arterial hypertension was found in 11.7 percent, heart disease in 5.5 percent, diabetes mellitus in 7.8 percent and bronchial asthma in 8.2 percent of the elders. Residual paralysis of one or more limbs or face was seen in 2.2 percent. Only 9.9 percent of the elders had obtained impatient medical care at least once during the previous one-year. This figure is comparatively low when compared to developed countries. The medical examination conducted during phase II of the study indicated that 39.7 percent of the 58 elders examined had a diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mm of mercury and 6.9 percent had a diastolic blood pressure over 110 mm of mercury. Diabetes (17.2 percent) and arthritis (10.3 percent) were other common diseases. Only 27.6 percent of the elders were using glasses. Out of those who were not wearing glasses 66.6 perce were unable to read the newspaper. Distant vision too was impaired. One elder was completely blind and 33.3 percent were able to identify hand movements only. Ten percent of the elders had a haemoglobin less than 10 g per 100 ml. A majority (80 percent) of them were females. Oral hygiene among the elders was very poor. Paradontal disease was found in 82.8 percent of the elders. Carious and loose teeth were found in 32 percent of the elders but, none of them had gone to a dentist for dental care. It is suggested that: a. a) Geriatric health care be incorporated into Primary Care (PHC) system. The PHC workers should carry out, education, screening and referrals, monitoring of chronically ill patients, training of patients or relations to carry out simple tests like testing urine for sugar in diabetes, administration of insulin, supervision of drug administration etc. b. Geriatric clinics be established at secondary and tertiary levels of the primary health care structure. c. Geriatric wards should be established at tertiary level. d. Long term care services be established involving, screening rehabilitation, assisting the elders to cope with impairments and permanent residental or out patient services as well as assistance in their homes. e. The criterion for retirement should not only be the age. Part time emloyement should be provided to those who are capable of working.en-USPost Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo, PGIM : Sri Lanka HELLIS NetworkHealth services for the agedAgedSocial ClassThesis