Changes in the Living Conditions of the Elderly in Urban and Rural Areas and Future Trends—Based on Data Analysis of Four National Surveys during the Period 2000–2015

Many empirical studies have shown evidence of multiple health benefits provided by green and blue spaces. Despite the importance of these spaces, investigations are scarce in details for blue spaces rather than green. Moreover, most research has focused on developed regions. A limited number of studies on blue spaces can be found in China with a focus on the city level. Outcomes have been mixed due to varying research scales, methodologies, and definitions. This study relies on a national-level social survey to explore how the self-rated health (SRH) of senior individuals is associated with local green and blue space availability in urban and rural areas. Results indicate that the coverage ratio of overall green spaces and waterbodies around a resident’s home have marginal effects on SRH status in both urban and rural areas. In urban areas, living close to a park can is marginally beneficial for older people’s health. Regarding different types of blue spaces, the presence of a major river (within 0.3–0.5 km) or coastline (within 1 km and 1–5 km) in the vicinity of home negatively affects SRH among the elderly in urban areas. Close proximity to lakes and other types of waterbodies with a water surface larger than 6.25 ha did not significantly influence SRH. These findings not only evaluate general health impacts of green/blue space development on senior populations across the county but inform decision makers concerning the health-promoting qualities and features of different green/blue spaces to better accommodate an aging population in the era of urbanization.

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Factors Associated with Happiness among Malaysian Elderly

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073831 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3831

Author(s):

Shamsul Azhar Shah ◽

Nazarudin Safian ◽

Saharuddin Ahmad ◽

Wan Abdul Hannan Wan Ibadullah ◽

Zulkefley bin Mohammad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emotional Support ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

The Elderly ◽

Evaluation Study ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

Happiness is an essential component to experience healthy ageing. Hence, understanding the factors that contribute to happiness is important. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with happiness among the elderly population in Malaysia. In this study, 1204 respondents were recruited from urban and rural areas in Selangor. A face-to-face interview was conducted using the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study questionnaire. The inclusion criteria include Malaysians who are 60-years old and above and can converse in the Malaysian language. Those who encounter less than seven scores for the Abbreviated Mental Test were excluded from the study. Among the 1204 respondents, 953 (79.2%) were happy. Sociodemographic characteristics showed that being a men, age of 60 to 74 years, and living in urban areas were significantly associated with happiness. A logistic regression model showed that locality (aOR 1.61), income category (Bottom 40% aOR 0.49; Middle-class group 40% aOR 1.40), social engagement (active aOR 1.77; less active aOR 1.25), receiving emotional support (aOR 2.11) and handgrip strength (aOR 1.02) were significantly associated with happiness. Thus, ensuring the elderly population in receiving emotional support and active social engagement among them can enhance their happiness level.

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Diferencias étnicas en salud en personas mayores del norte de Chile / Ethnic Differences in Health among Elderly People Living in Northern Chile

Revista Internacional de Humanidades Médicas ◽

10.37467/gka-revmedica.v5.1385 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 71-79

Author(s):

Lorena Patricia Gallardo Peralta

Keyword(s):

Ethnic Group ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Aging Process ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cultural Aspects ◽

Chilean Altiplano ◽

Impaired Health ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

ABSTRACTThis research analyzes the differences in health in terms of belonging to a native Chilean ethnic group in the region of Arica and Parinacota. This is one of the first investigations in Chile and South America that analyze this dimension in the aging process. This is a quantitative and cross-sectional study. The sample consists of 493 Chilean elderly living in the far north of Chile. The application of the questionnaire was conducted through personal interviews. The study was conducted in urban and rural areas, including villages in the Chilean Altiplano. Scales internationally recognized geriatric research to measure the presence of symptoms of impaired health, dependence and depression were applied. The results of data analysis showed statistically significant differences in depression and health in terms of ethnic belonging, establishing a disadvantage for the elderly Indians. The findings confirm the heterogeneity of the aging process and the importance of the cultural aspects through belonged to a native ethnic group. For the field of social sciences this study confirms the need for gerontological contextualized interventions that positively discriminate against groups at riskRESUMENEsta investigación analiza las diferencias en salud en función de la pertenencia a una etnia originaria chilena en la región de Arica y Parinacota. Se trata de unas de las primeras investigaciones en Chile y en Sudamérica que analizan esta dimensión en el proceso de envejecimiento. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y transversal. La muestra está conformada por 493 personas mayores chilenas que residen en el extremo norte de Chile. La aplicación del cuestionario se realizó a través de entrevista personal. El estudio fue realizado en zona urbana y zonas rurales, incluyendo poblados del altiplano chileno. Se aplicaron escalas internacionalmente reconocidas en la investigación geriátrica para medir la presencia de síntomas de deterioro en salud, dependencia y depresión. Los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de datos muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en depresión y salud en función de la pertenecía étnica, estableciendo una desventaja para las personas mayores indígenas. Los hallazgos confirman la heterogeneidad del proceso de envejecimiento y la relevancia de los aspectos culturales a través de la pertenecía a una etnia originaria. Para el campo de las ciencias sociales este estudio confirma la necesidad de realizar intervenciones gerontológicas contextualizadas que discriminen positivamente a los grupos en riesgo social.

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Functional limitation on elderly people in the northeast and the feminization of eld in urban and rural areas of Brazil

Acta Scientiarum Health Sciences ◽

10.4025/actascihealthsci.v43i1.51421 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

pp. e51421

Author(s):

Roberta Dayanny Soares ◽

Aíla Maropô Araújo

Keyword(s):

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Daily Living ◽

Functional Limitation ◽

Rio Grande ◽

The Elderly ◽

Northeast Region ◽

Instrumental Activities ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

Population aging in Brazil increases on a large scale due to declining fertility and mortality. This phenomenon can be influenced by several factors (demographic, biological and social), making them determinants for the health conditions of the elderly populations residing in different geographic areas. The present study aims to identify the functional limitation in elderly residents of urban and rural areas of Brazil. This is a descriptive epidemiological study with a quantitative approach. It was evidenced that the functional limitation for activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living are concentrated in the northeast region, mainly in the urban area. The following states presented the highest proportions of daily life activity limitation in urban areas: Alagoas (11.60%), Rio Grande do Norte (10.95%), Pernambuco (10.36%) and Paraíba (9.62%). For activities of daily living in the rural area were found in the states of Paraíba (12.19%), Maranhão (8.93%), Piauí (8.85%) and then Pernambuco (7.24%). Data from the functional limitation for instrumental activities of daily living again highlighted the Northeast region, with the states of Rio Grande do Norte (26.01%), Paraíba (25.96%), Maranhão (25.72%) and Alagoas (24.57%). Lastly, it was verified that the elderly woman exhibits greater proportions of functional limitation in relation to the elderly of the masculine sex, standing out again the northeastern region of the country.

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The Evaluation of the Awareness, Attitude and Practice of the Elderly Toward Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study

Drug Research ◽

10.1055/a-0583-9896 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 68 (08) ◽

pp. 475-480

Author(s):

Mohammad Heidari ◽

Mansureh Borujeni ◽

Mansour Ghafourifard ◽

Rahim Sheikhi

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Average Score ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of various diseases in the elderly has increased the use of drugs, which is coupled with age-related physiological changes and places the elderly at risk for multiple side effects. The present study aimed to determine awareness, attitudes and practices of elderly towards self-medication. Materials and Methods The sample included 300 participants over 60 years under any of the health centers in urban and rural areas of Abadeh city, who were selected based on stratified random sampling method. In order to collect data, the questionnaire including demographic information, awareness, attitude and performance of the elderly and the checklist of drug intractable consumption. Results Based on the results, 76% of the elderly reported drug consumption. Regarding lifestyle, the average score of the elderly’s awareness for the elderly who lived with and without families were 78.6±14.2 and 69.2±13.6, respectively. In other words, a significant difference was observed between these two groups. In addition, there was a significant between the elderly’s performance score with and without family members about the self-medication (p=0.001). Conclusion Considering the increase in self-medication among the elderly, adherence to prescription criteria for drug among this age group is recommended. Finally, designing and implementing various educational programs in health education center is necessary for the elderly and their families for the purpose of improving awareness and practice.

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Age sequences of the elderly’ social network and its efficacies on well-being: an urban-rural comparison in China

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-020-01773-8 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhenhua Zheng ◽

Hong Chen

Keyword(s):

Social Network ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Age Groups ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Urban Elderly ◽

Family Network ◽

The Social ◽

Urban Rural ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract Background Although social network is a known determinant of the elderly’s well-being, it is not clear, in urban-rural and age-comparison, what its structural characteristics are and how it works for well-being. The research aims to discuss the features of the elderly’s social network and the social network efficacies on the well-being of older adults in China’s urban and rural areas as well as revealing the urban-rural disparities among the elderly of different age groups. Methods In this study, descriptive statistical analysis and structural equation Modeling (SEM) were used to make a group comparison between the urban and rural elderly of different age groups. All data are quoted from 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). The survey adopted the multi-stage probability sampling method, targeting Chinese senior citizens aged 60 and above, the ultimate samples totaled 11,511. Results The social network of the elderly in China feature a “reverse structure” in age sequences: with ageing, family network of the elderly expand while their friend network shrink; also, the expansion scale of the rural elderly’s family network is significantly larger than that of the city’s while the shrinkage scale of their friend network is smaller compared with its urban counterpart. The effect of family network on the rural elderly’s well-being shows a remarkable increase with age. However, there is no noticeable change in urban elderly groups of different ages. Conclusion The social network characteristics of the Chinese elderly are different between different age stages. Namely, the family network and the friend network have the “reverse structure “ in age sequences. Meanwhile, the family network and the friend network have different efficacies on the well-being of the elderly in China, and the differences between urban and rural areas are even more obvious. For rural elderly, family network has very important effects on their well-being. Moreover, With the increase of age, family network’s efficacies increase gradually. For urban elderly, comparatively, family network is just as important as friend network.

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ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS IN CHINA: PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3428 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S943-S943

Author(s):

Chen Chen ◽

Liu Yue ◽

Hong Mi

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Elder Abuse ◽

Economic Status ◽

The Elderly ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Legal Rights ◽

Ageing Population ◽

Elder Abuse And Neglect ◽

Abuse And Neglect ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract With acceleration of the ageing population globally, more and more governments are concerned about the potential increase in elder abuse and neglect (EA/N). Recently the National Office for Ageing and the provincial offices for ageing conducted a survey of 224,352 Chinese over the age of 60 years using household interviews to assess economy, health, service, social participation, culture, rights protection, livable environment, etc. Author’s analysis of this data shows that 54% of the elderly people interviewed experienced physical and mental abuse or intimidation, and 6.95% of them felt that their legal rights were violated. Data also supports that the occurrence of EA/N was significantly correlated to self-care ability, economic status, and urban and rural regions of the elders. The researcher will discuss the practice and policy implications for the prevention of EA/N.

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Does living in an urban environment confer advantages for childhood nutritional status? Analysis of disparities in nutritional status by wealth and residence in Angola, Central African Republic and Senegal

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2005835 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 187-193 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Gina Kennedy ◽

Guy Nantel ◽

Inge D Brouwer ◽

Frans J Kok

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Urban Environment ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Central African Republic ◽

Wealth Index ◽

Living Conditions ◽

Urban Rural ◽

Urban And Rural Areas ◽

Poor Children

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between childhood undernutrition and poverty in urban and rural areas.DesignAnthropometric and socio-economic data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in Angola-Secured Territory (Angola ST), Central African Republic and Senegal were used in this analysis. The population considered in this study is children 0–59 months, whose records include complete anthropometric data on height, weight, age, gender, socio-economic level and urban or rural area of residence. In addition to simple urban/rural comparisons, the population was stratified using a wealth index based on living conditions and asset ownership to compare the prevalence, mean Z-score and odds ratios for stunting and wasting.ResultsIn all cases, when using a simple urban/rural comparison, the prevalence of stunting was significantly higher in rural areas. However, when the urban and rural populations were stratified using a measure of wealth, the differences in prevalence of stunting and underweight in urban and rural areas of Angola ST, Central African Republic and Senegal disappeared. Poor children in these urban areas were just as likely to be stunted or underweight as poor children living in rural areas. The odds ratio of stunting in the poorest compared with the richest quintile was 3.4, 3.2 and 1.5 in Angola ST, Senegal and Central African Republic, respectively.ConclusionsThis paper demonstrates that simple urban/rural comparisons mask wide disparities in subgroups according to wealth. There is a strong relationship between poverty and chronic undernutrition in both urban and rural areas; this relationship does not change simply by living in an urban environment. However, urban and rural living conditions and lifestyles differ, and it is important to consider these differences when designing programmes and policies to address undernutrition.

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