Abstract

This study evaluates the prevalence of chronic ailments of the skeleton, as well as chosen internal diseases in a group of the active elderly, students of the Third Age University, and to what extent they take care of theit health. The results were compared in the discussion aprt with the data, available in literature, which was considered representative for the overall population.

The active elderly chronic ailments of the motion apparatus were present in 86.8% of the subjects. It should be noted that in many cases these ailments were found in several regions simultaneously. The prevalence of chosen internal diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders, considering limitations of this study, does not differ to a great extent from their prevalence in the overall population, apart from diabetes, which is found more seldom. The active elderly visit the physician on average 5.4 times a year. They control their hypertension slightly more often than the overall population. Elderly women lead active life more often than men, considering the gender proportions among students of the Third Age University.

The results of this study show that the diseases mentioned above constitute no obstacle in an active life.

Adres: lek. Marcin Ceynowa
Katedra i Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narządu Ruchu AMG
e-mail: mceynowa@gumed.edu.pl