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Disability and handicap among elderly Singaporeans
1Humanities and Social Studies Education, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. ssyadav@hotmail.com
Singapore Medical Journal
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Singapore
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Singapore's elderly population is rapidly increasing, posing challenges for healthcare and social services.
- The ageing process is associated with various health issues, necessitating an understanding of the elderly's health status.
- Gender differences in longevity raise concerns about potential disparities in disability and handicap risks among older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of disability and handicap among elderly Singaporeans.
- To examine gender-based differences in disability and handicap rates within the aged population.
- To explore the relationship between age and the severity of handicap in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A sample survey of 1209 elderly individuals was conducted in three specific parliamentary constituencies in Singapore.
- Data collection focused on assessing the presence and severity of disability and handicap.
- Statistical analysis was employed to compare rates between genders and to correlate handicap severity with age.
Main Results:
- Over half of the surveyed elderly population reported having a disability.
- The rate of disability was significantly higher in women compared to men.
- More than one-third experienced a handicap, with women exhibiting twice the rate of men; handicap severity increased with age.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of elderly Singaporeans experience disability, with women being disproportionately affected.
- The findings highlight a significant gender disparity in handicap prevalence and severity among the aged.
- Age is a critical factor influencing the severity of handicap in the elderly population.
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