ABSTRACT
Introduction: In the rapidly increasing elderly population of Iran, no prospective health studies have yet been undertaken. This study was conducted to identify the risk factors of survival time of elderly Tehranians, aged above 60 years
Materials and Methods: Individuals aged above 60 years old [n=929], recruited in the primary phase [1998-2001] of the ongoing Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study [TLGS], were followed up for 10 years and their vital statistics were documented [1998-2008]. Age and sex mortality rates for age groups [60-69, 70-79, 80+] were calculated and the hazard rates were estimated using Cox proportional hazard model
Results: Of 929 males, 154 [17%] and out of 869 women 85[10%] died during the follow-up years. Cox model showed that diabetes, on an average, reduced 2.5 years and 4.4 years, while smoking reduced 6.6 and 5 years of females' and males' survival time, respectively. BMI>33Kg/m2 and dyslipoproteinemia reduced 4.5 years and 4 years of women's life spans, respectively. Native Tehranian males on an average, live 3 years less than other male residents; in addition, hypertension and history of MI, stroke or sudden death of father, brother or son reduced 3.3 years and 4.1 years of men's life time respectivly
Conclusion: Elderly women with BMI>33 Kg/m2 and/or smokers and/or with dyslipoproteinemia are more in need of health care, while among their male countery parts elderly diabetic men and/or smokers and/or those who have history of MI, stroke or sudden death of a father, brother or son also need more attention