Professional paper
Quality of life for older people in rural areas
Brigita Ilić
; Study of Nursing, University of Dubrovnik
Mara Županić
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb
Abstract
Summary
Thanks to the rising standard of living and improving health care and reduced birth rate in
developed countries has been increasing life expectancy, and thus a greater proportion of
elderly people in the general population. The population older than 65 years continuously and
rapidly growing, especially in developed countries, but this tendency is present in developing
countries.
This study attempts to identify the most common problems encountered elderly on the island
of Mljet. Nearly one in four respondents in our study lives completely alone. With the decline
in physiological function in old age and the presence of chronic diseases, the biggest social
problem in this age is the loneliness of the elderly. The problems of those who are living
alone in less developed societies are great. They are lonely, depressed, and most often,
because of the physical and even psychological conditions in which they are located, cannot
maintain personal hygiene, they cannot prepare food, clean the house, they often do not have
the ability to see a doctor. Their financial situation is often weak, so most cannot afford to buy
the necessary medicines and afford adequate nutrition, which ultimately results in a
deterioration of the general state of health.
A significant number of respondents have a need for additional health care services to provide
help and care at home. This is especially prominent when it comes to the growing number of
chronically sick and disabled elderly persons without family care. They often do not require
constant daily medical care, but they need daily help in achieving basic functions. Practice
shows that the models of such assistance and care may be different, depending on the
capabilities and needs of elderly community. It should be noted that it is primarily a social
function, with appropriate collaboration with health care institutions.
Keywords
old people, quality of life, rural communities
Hrčak ID:
297145
URI
Publication date:
7.1.2014.
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