Senior citizens health
Chronic diseases will increase with increasing age and will affect the ability to cope with personal care such as getting dressed, washing, mobility and housekeeping.
The question about how senior citizens’ function abilities will be in the future is unclear, as well as how morbidity will affect its changes. Research suggests that morbidity is delayed to older age group hence new studies are stating that the positive health trend among senior citizens already has peaked.
The purpose of Gott Åldrande i Skåne is to study the following aspects:
Normal ageing
Functional performance
Prevalence of morbidity and their risk factors
Senior citizens’ health and life situation
Need of care
Survey of senior citizens
During the years 2001-2004, 2931 people have participated in the study. A random sample from the population aged 60-93 years, in the five participating municipalities was invited. The first revisit of participants of 81 years and older took place between years 2005-2008 and a second revisit took place between 2007 and 2010, where new participants have been invited. In the end of 2010 a third revisit is started. Participants who are 78 years and older will be followed up is every third year, whereas those who are 60-72 will come for follow-ups every sixth year.
A medical examination, functional tests and memory tests are included in the examination.
Physician
At the medical examination questions are asked about earlier and current health condition. EKG will be taken for examination of heart function. Eye sight, hearing, height and weight will be measured, and prescribed medication is registered.
Psychologist
The psychologist asks questions regarding health and meaningful, important events in the participant’s life. Tests are conducted on memory and concentration.
Nurse
The nurse measures blood pressure and tests lung capacity. A blood sample covers assessments of blood lipids and inflammatory activity. Gait speed, balance and handgrip strength are also tested.
Questionnaire
The participant fills in an questionnaire comprising lifestyle factors, socio demographic factors, need of care, and quality of life, health related quality of life and activities of daily living (ADL).
Data collection
Quality controls of the collected data are being done continuously. A number of questions concerning health, ageing and individual ability can be addressed with the collected data. At present data from the study has been used in 10 thesis and other scientific papers on problem areas such as; normal ageing and pulmonary capacity; the consequences of osteoporosis-related fractures on activities and participation; blood pressure and cognition, motor skills and cognition; the importance of the car as transportation for senior citizens with multi comorbidity and their coping with symptoms and disease; the importance of municipal organisations and administration of senior citizens use of care, determinants of life satisfaction, caregiver’s burden and poly neuropathy. Data from the project is also used as reference material to describe normal functions in an older population.
Ongoing analyses and studies on different organ functions
Studies on social participation
Page Manager: Malena Ohlin
Last modified: 2010-12-15
