Problems Faced and Difference in Quality of Life Among The Elderly Population of Suburban Areas of Twin Cities

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the problems faced and the difference in the quality of life among the elderly population of three suburban areas of twin cities of Pakistan.
Setting and duration: This study was conducted in three suburban setting around Islamabad and Rawalpindi in a duration of six months from February to August 2017.
Methodology: A total of 110 participants consisting on 55 males and 55 female were selected for the study. This cross sectional survey was conducted on a geriatric population of age more than 60 years. The elders having any disease, psychological or physical disorder were excluded from the study. In this study, we used the Quality of life Instruments developed by WHO (WHOQOL-BREF) which is a validated and one of the most widely used tools in QoL research. Informed consent was taken from all the participants prior to the study. The data form all the participants was collected through face to face interviews and entry with analysis was done through SPSS v. 21.
Results: Majority 58 (52.73%) of the participants were of age interval of 60-64 years followed by 39 (35.45%) in the age group of 65-69 years. A large number 41 (37.27%) of elderly participants were uneducated. Most 63 (57.27%) of the participants of the study were living in the extended family system. Main bulk 49 (44.55%) of the study sample belonged to families having a monthly income of 16000-25000 rupees, followed by 25 (22.73%) families having an income of 26000-35000 rupees. The main source of income was a dependency on children. The most common 24 (21.82%) problem faced was related to financial issues, followed by loneliness 22 (20%). Majority 68 (61.82%) of the study sample replied that the bahaviour of family members is friendly and politely with them. The QoL score for physical health, psychological health, social relationship and environment were significantly higher in male participants as compared to female counterparts. The overall quality of life on the basis of the quality of life score QoL was significantly better in male participants as compared to female participants.  
Conclusions: The overall quality of life on the basis of quality of life score QoL was significantly better in male participants as compared to female participants. Their busy children or family conflicts and misapprehensions instigate their miserable moments of older life.