Health survey of adult and elderly residents in a depopulated mountain village

Abstract

Background and Aims: The survey was conducted on residents over 40 years of age in a depopulated mountain village where the elderly account for 50.7% of the population. Materials and Methods: All 968 residents between 40 and 64 years of age were surveyed by means of a self-report questionnaire. One hundred fifty-six residents over 65 years old were randomly sampled in a 1/10 age-stratified manner and interviewed by the authors. Results: The response rate was 87% in the 40-64 year old group and 98% in the over-65 group. The characteristics of the residents revealed by the questionnaire in the 40-64 year old group were 30% were smokers; half of the alcohol drinkers drank every day; 30% were obese, and obesity morbidity was higher among males. The characteristics of the residents in the over-65 group included morbidity due to some disease 70% of the population. Eighty percent of the residents used hospitals and clinics and went shopping outside the village. Eighty percent of the residents wanted to continue living in their homes. Conclusion: It is crucial to design health promotion and care prevention programs for adult and elderly residents of depopulated villages. The results showed that smoking cessation programs and programs to control drinking and body weight need to be developed. Healthcare system so that residents can continue to live in their own homes.