QUALITY OF LIFE IN ELDERLY POPULATION IN KAMYARAN DISTRICT, 2009

In 2006, almost 687,923,000 elderly lived and it is predicted that in 2050 their
population will increase to one billion. The increasing number of the elderly leads to an increase in
their social issues, rehabilitation, and health-treatment. While the only goal of the health system is not
only prolonging life, it is very essential to improve quality of life either. It is helpful to survey elderly
psychological status to provide comprehensive information about their health and needs. Studies on
the effects of environmental change on health changes in rural and urban areas are effective. The
present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life in rural and urban elderly population in Kamyaran.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 elderly people living in the
rural and urban areas in Kamyaran District. The study population was selected through stratified
multistage sampling from the elderly under health care centers in rural and urban area. The data
gathering tool was the questionnaire SF36.The data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and t test.
Results: The average age of the samples was 68.3 years, and 75% of them lived with their families.
Mean of all aspects of quality of life was 50. The mean quality of life in men was better than women.
The average of quality of life in rural areas was higher and the difference was statistically significant.
(P= 0.001)
Conclusion: The quality of life in rural samples was more sufficient and desirable for the elderly than
the urban ones.