Aging gracefully in Greater Beirut: are there any gender-based differences?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• The rapid aging of the Lebanese population is a growing concern with limited research on the living conditions and health status of urban elderly.
• Previous studies have not examined gender differences in the health and socio-economic status of the Lebanese elderly population.
• This research addresses the knowledge gap concerning the specific challenges faced by older adults in Lebanon, with a focus on gender disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the socio-demographic, nutritional, health, and functional characteristics of community-dwelling elderly in Greater Beirut.
• To identify and compare gender differences in the living conditions and health status of Lebanese elderly.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving the quality of life for the aging Lebanese population, with a focus on vulnerable groups.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 905 randomly selected community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 years and above in Greater Beirut.
• Participants completed a standardized questionnaire assessing socio-demographic factors, nutritional status, self-perceived health, physical activity, comorbidity, medication use, and functional status.
• Statistical analyses were performed to compare characteristics between men and women, and between younger (≤70 years) and older (>70 years) elderly groups.

Main Results:

• Women, irrespective of age, exhibited lower educational attainment and a higher likelihood of living alone compared to men.
• Poor nutritional status, lower self-perceived health, lack of physical activity, higher comorbidity, polymedication, and depression were significantly more prevalent among elderly women.
• Older elderly women (>70 years) demonstrated significantly greater functional disability compared to their male counterparts.

Conclusions:

• Lebanese elderly women are socio-economically, health-wise, and functionally disadvantaged compared to men.
• The findings underscore a critical need for a nationwide effort to enhance the socio-economic conditions and healthcare provisions for the elderly in Lebanon.
• Special attention and targeted interventions are required to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of elderly women in Lebanon.