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- Title
Aging gracefully in Greater Beirut: are there any gender-based differences?
- Authors
Mitri, Rosy N.; Boulos, Christa M.; Adib, Salim M.
- Abstract
Background: The implications of rapid aging of the Lebanese population are under-researched. No national studies have so far investigated the living conditions and the health status of urban Lebanese elderly across gender. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 905 randomly selected community dwelling elderly aged ≥65 years living in Greater Beirut. Gender differences were assessed among participants who completed a standardized questionnaire on socio-demographic factors, nutritional, health, and functional characteristics. Results: The sample included 533 men (59%) and 372 women (41%). Elderly were regrouped into 'younger elderly' (≤70 years), and 'older elderly' (>70 years) which represented respectively 44.3% and 55.7% of the total population. Women, regardless of their age, were less educated and more likely to live alone. Moreover, poor nutritional status, self-perceived health, absence of physical activity, comorbidity, polymedication and depression were significantly higher among women. 'Older elderly' women became significantly more functionally disabled compared with men of their age. Conclusions: This study evidenced that Lebanese elderly women were disadvantaged regarding their socio-economic, health and functional status. It is requested a nationwide effort to improve the socio-economic status and the health of Lebanese elderly, especially women.
- Subjects
LEBANON; AGING; EDUCATION; HEALTH; METROPOLITAN areas; POPULATION; QUESTIONNAIRES; RESEARCH funding; SOCIOECONOMIC factors; POLYPHARMACY; PHYSICAL activity; NUTRITIONAL status
- Publication
European Journal of Public Health, 2017, Vol 27, Issue 3, p575
- ISSN
1101-1262
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/eurpub/ckw117