Measuring the quality of life among elderly with osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by a low bone mass and bone architectural derangements, leading to an increased fracture risk. The quality of live of osteoporotic elderly is extremely complex; while better identification of risk factors can reduce morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the quality of life among elderly with osteoporosis. Medical hospital outpatient clink of El-Mansoura University and two family health care centers were chosen as the study settings. The study sample comprised 57 elder males and 123 females aged 60 years and over with osteoporosis. Two validated questionnaires of ECOS-16 for quality of life in elders with osteoporosis were used. The study confirms that prevalence of osteoporosis is likely to be associated with lower Ecos-16 score. Physical function, emotional status, and overall QOL were significantly and negatively associated with the prevalence of osteoporosis. Moreover the study results revealed that elderly women with osteoporosis had a low quality of life such as chronic pain, reduce physical and emotional activity. Elder men manifested emotional changes more than elder women. The study recommended to develop strategies to improve the QOL of osteoporotic elders, emphasizing the importance of well balanced diet, physical, social and recreational activities. Helping those with osteoporosis to maintain or improve their enjoyment activities may help to improve their quality of lift

Self-care practice of community dwelling diabetic elders

Diabetes is common chronic disease encountered by individuals in late life. Diabetes and its complications can impaire well being and quality of life of elders. Patient's compliance and self-care practices are critical facors in appropriate management of diabetes mellitus. So, this study aimed at identifying self-care practice of community dwelling elders. The study sample comprises 105 diabetic elderly who attending the outpatient diabetic clinic at Farouk Hospital, which is affiliated to Ministry of Health and Population. The study revealed that the majority, of the studied diabetic elders had a poor adherence to self-care practice. It was found that self-care practices are affected by sex, marital status, and income of the elders. Also, self-care practice had a significant relation with fasting blood level, body mass index, and the number of foot problems. Knowledge of diabetic elders is essential for self-care practice which is affected by elders' educational level. The study recommended that encouraging elders' independency, and providing financial and social supports are an essential part for self-care practices

Impact of reminiscence therapy on self- esteem of residents of elderly homes

Reminiscence is the ability to recall long forgotten facts, people, events and feelings. The study aims to identify the impact of reminiscence therapy on self-esteem of residents of elderly homes in Alexandria. The study was carried out in all governmental homes for elderly persons in Alexandria. The sample comprised 55 elderly persons. They were interviewed individually to collect the necessary information using the questionnaire sheet. Reminiscence therapy was implemented on eight sessions using either the individual or the group method. During the different sessions, elderly persons reviewed their life stages starting from childhood to adulthood and made conclusion about their life. Self-esteem was measured immediately after the eight sessions and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to determine the long-term effect of the therapy. Reminiscence sessions succeeded in improving elders' self-esteem and in decreasing elders' physical complaints such as insomnia, headache, anorexia...etc