Objective: To analyze the quality of life and the main dimensions of health status among the elderly living in the central and western poor areas of China.
Methods: Cluster sampling was used and 1145 elderly aged above 60 were sampled from 4 provinces in western areas of China. Economic status, performance of health, self reported situation and satisfaction on health were investigated. We conducted comparative dimensions of health analysis across age and gender.
Results: Among the elderly, 58.6% of them had monthly income less than 250 Yuan RMB and 14.1% of them with monthly income between 250-400 Yuan RMB. As for the sources of income, 50.1% of the elderly relied on their children while 43.7% of them supported themselves. Among the elderly aged 60-, 70- and 80-, 68.54%, 54.63% and 38.46% of them had no difficulty in mobility while 75.73%, 68.52% and 53.85% had no difficulty taking care of themselves, 67.98%, 56.02% and 35.90% of them had no difficulty in managing daily activities, 55.51%, 51.39% and 38.46% of them had no pain or discomfort and 69.66%, 59.26%, 51.28% of them did not show any signs on anxiety or depression. Men aged over 80 had better status than women, however, there was no significant difference for the age groups 60- or 70- on the mobility and self-care between genders. 37.98%,31.02% and 28.21% of the elderly in the age groups 60-, 70- or 80-, self-reported to have had good health,with males more than females (P < 0.05). 76.74%, 75.00% and 79.49% of the 60-, 70- or 80- elderly groups self-reported having satisfactory life style. The aged 60- elderly did not show significant gender difference on self-reported satisfaction with life but the male elderly aged 70 and above reported having more satisfied life than the females (P < 0.05). Factors as marriage status, gender, chronic disease, ability of mobility and daily activities played positive promotion roles on health status of the elderly.
Conclusion: Sources of income was limited among the elderly. The overall self-reported health status was poor but males were more likely to show positive results on self-assessment. Proportions of health-related quality of life indicators among elderly declined with age, and the performance of life function of the elderly women were inferior to men. Elderly living in the rural areas presented a higher proportion on 'satisfaction of life'.