[A comparison on health status between Paiwan and Min-Nan elderly]

The study investigated the Taiwanese elderly in two different ethnic groups (Paiwan and Min-Nan) regarding their multifunctional status. The purpose was to make known and compare the subjective and objective health status of these two groups. The results for the objective measurements indicated that an elderly Paiwanese had 2.74 kinds of diseases on average. The most prevalent diseases among the Paiwan elderly were arthritis (rheumatism), circulation troubles in arms or legs, high blood pressure, stomach or intestinal disorders or gall bladder problems, cataract, heart trouble, emphysema (chronic bronchitis), skin disorder (leg ulcers or severe burns), asthma, and digestive system ulcers. Of all disease, five (arthritis, circulation trouble, emphysema, skin disorder, and tuberculosis) were statistically more prevalent among the Paiwan elderly than among the Min-Nan elderly. In terms of health scoring, the two groups were comparable except in the following two aspects: (1) more Paiwan elderly were unable to take medicine by themselves, and (2) the Paiwan elderly had lower cognitive ability ratings. In the subjective arena, the Paiwan elderly had a lower score in self-rating health status. Condensed, the health status of the Paiwan was worse than that of the Min-Nan elderly both in objective and subjective measurements.