Research on the health care needs of the elderly in Beijing

Objective To find out about the current health situation of the elderly in the Beijing area and their health care needs so as to provide basis for the formulation of health care policies for the elderly by the government and relevant departments and for the development of health care programs for the elderly in accordance with their needs. Methods A sample survey, covering such topics as the health situation, medical treatment, nursing, rehabilitation and health care needs of the elderly and community health service, was made of 2 487 elderly people aged 60 and above in different parts of Beijing, including the city proper, the part linking city and country, and the suburbs. An analysis was then made of the difference in the health situation and health care needs of the elderly between various parts and populations. Results Chronic diseases constituted the major health problem for the elderly, with hypertension, coronary heart disease, osteoarthrosis, and cerebrovascular disease ranking in the first four places and the incidence of diabetes increasing rapidly. About 10 percent of the elderly, who suffered from somatic dysfunction, had reduced daily life skills and needed assistance from others. An increased number of elderly people also meant a greater demand for medical and nursing services. Community health service, the advantages of which bacame increasingly manifest, was thus popular with the elderly. Financial difficulty was the chief factor affecting the elderly in their seeking medical service. Conclusion The elderly is a weak population in health. With the aging of the general population, the health care needs of the elderly are on the rise. As health is the major factor affecting the life quality of the elderly, enhanced efforts in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases ought to be taken as the central task in the health care of the elderly. They are also the key to improving the life quality of the elderly.