Aging populations’ quality of life: An emerging priority for public health system in Iran

Abstract: It is apparent that the biggest demographic and health transitions are related to aging population with an increase in the number of elderly people and disproportionate prevalence of chronic diseases with diminished quality of life (QOL). It is particularly important for policymakers and stakeholders to note that poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging thus appropriate interventions are required. Because improving QOL is a major policy and lifestyle goal, understanding QOL has tremendous potential implications on designing social policies for well-being. In a cross-sectional study the QOL of 200 elderly people age above 60 were measured in Sari a typical city in Iran. SF-36 and GHQ-28 were used for data collection. The findings of this study have shown that the average QOL of elderly people is about 53.5%. More than half of respondents have found with possible mental illness. Those who were categorized with possible mental illness had statistically significantly lower QOL. Quality of life had significant relationship with both health and non-health related characteristics of respondents. It has concluded that mental health examination and support have high priority in improving and extending QOL of elderly people in Iran. A well coordinated program from all stakeholders with appropriate contribution of their role is recommended. [Heydari J, Rouhani S, Mohammadpour RA. Aging populations’ quality of life: An emerging priority for public health system in Iran. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):1304-1309] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 197