Evaluating health related quality of life of the elderly Chinese in Suzhou

Objective In order to understand the present situation and related factors of the quality of life among elderly population in Suzhou. Based on the data collected by a same questionnaire, compared the quality of life in Suzhou old population with the old Chinese in Boston and U.S. norm. To analyze the comparative differences in the quality of life between the three groups and to explore possible explanations for this discrepancy and discuss the implications. Methods The quality of life for 167 elderly Chinese in Suzhou was surveyed by MOS SF-36 questionnaire. Results The study subjects had better physical functioning and vitality than the U.S. norm and Boston elderly Chinese, they reported worse general health and mental health than U.S. norm, they perceived better emotional limitations to Boston elderly Chinese, but emotional limitations worse than U.S. norm. There were significant differences in the quality of life between their age?the families' concern and the curative effect of themselves evaluated.Conclusions It is suggested that health policy for elderly people should be formulated to modify the affecting factors of QOL, and to develop the action in community, so as to improve QOL of elderly people from general health and mental health.