An epidemiologic study of the health status among elderly in Ain Shams Geriatric Unit

Abstract

A cross-sectional research was done aiming at the assessment of geriatric daily activities, gait and balance, besides assessment of different presentation of common diseases which occur commonly in the elderly. Special Geriatric Unit has been established in Ain Shams University Hospitals in 1984. This study included all those consulting that clinic in the period from January to April 1992. Out of 516 elderly, 270 (52.3%) were males and 246 (47.7%) were females and 478 (70%) of them were in the age group 60-70 years. Eating and wearing Clothes without help decreases with aging from 60-80 years (P < 0.001). Musculoskeletal functional disorders (joint pain and backpain) were the most frequent findings in both sexes (P < 0.001). Incontinence was the most prevalent genitourinary disorder among females Diabetes in combination with other diseases as hypertension and ischemic heart diseases was the most prevalent systemic disorder (28%). Therefore, it is recommended that these findings should be put into consideration for preventive gerontology.