Quality of life and its affecting factors for elderly residents at Shimenerlu community of Shanghai / 中华全科医师杂志

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the quality of life and affecting risk factors for the elderly populations, cluster sampling method was used to investigate 1731 elderly individuals at Shimenerlu Community in Shanghai. The results showed that the average quality of life of the participants was above medium level, and most elderly demonstrated good quality of life. Moreover, 1536 elderly individuals (88.9%) developed at least one chronic disease, and the incidence of depression was up to 17. 2%. Affecting factors of quality of life included daily life capability, severity of disease, age, depression symptom, marriage, community activities, care provider, gender, number of disease, diabetes, hobby, income, expense, family support, and living conditions. No correlation with education, career, health insurance, and partner's disease was found. Those data suggest that community heahhcare should pay more attention to the management of chronic diseases and mental health, the development of family resources, and the improvement of hobbies and social activities in the elderly populations.