Factors affecting the quality of life of the elderly in urban areas of the 3rd health zone

Abstract

          The purposes of this research were: 1) to study fundamental factors, psychological factors, and need factors of the elderly in the Eastern Provinces 2) to study the quality of life of the elderly in the physical health, mental health, societal, environmental, and spiritual aspects, and 3) to investigate models of elderly care, including quality of life development.This research used mixed methods approach i.e. quantitative research and qualitative research. The sample for the quantitative research was comprised of 400 senior people whose ages were 60 or above, obtained by simple random sampling using a Taro Yamane Table. The tool used for data collection was a questionnaire. The statistics used for data analysis were percentage, mean, and standard deviation. On the other hand, the sample for the qualitative research was 30 elderly people obtained by purposive sampling. The tool used for data collection was a focus group. The collected data were analysed by mean of content analysis.

          The results of the study were as follows:

                 1) The fundamental factors, the mental factors, and the need factors of the elderly were interrelated and inseparable. Consequently, if the elderly had problems with their mental health, they also had physical health problems, or vice versa.

                 2) The elderly whose quality of life was good came from loving families i.e. their family members loved and lived harmoniously with each other, helped each other and took care of their elderly family members as best as possible, especially regarding food and nutrition.

                 3) The appropriate model for elderly care was that members of their families were major care-giving personnel. Moreover, government and private agencies should actively participate in elderly care stressing on their well-being in all aspects, namely: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspect.