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European Health Interview Survey 2008

Health Status

of the Elderly

Department of Health Information and Research

Strategy and Sustainability Division

European Health Interview Survey 2008

Health Status

of the Elderly


Strategy and Sustainability Division

Ministry for Social Policy


Printed at the Government Printing Press

Marsa

Higher standards of living both in Malta and Europe have resulted in a

better level of health and increased longevity. According to the

Demographic Review of the National Statistics Office, the life expectancy

in Malta has reached 77 years fo

total number of elderly aged 65 years and over at the end of 2008 was

58,179 which represents 14% of the total population. In ten years time,

this figure will rise to 71,000 which will be 17% of the total population.

This unprecedented demographic change brings new challenges

including a proportionate increase in the prevalence of chronic disabling

physical conditionals. It is now also recognised that the scale of mental

health in the elderly is far greater than previ

European Pact for mental Health agreed in Brussels last year

acknowledged that “Promoting health and active ageing is one of the EU’s key policy objectives……

Policy makers and stake holders are invited to take action on mental h

Alzheimer and other forms of dementia play a crucial part in this. We know that as the population

gets older the incidence of Alzheimer and Dementia increases. In fact dementia affects 1 in every 5

elderly person aged 80+. In Malt

the number of people suffering from dementia is over six million.

Surely this is by no way doom and gloom. The fact that mankind, due to the advancement of

medicine, has managed to increase

literally impossible to try to evaluate the amount of voluntarily work carried out by the elderly. The

elderly are the backbone in every voluntarily organisation, they are there day in, day ou

parishes, the village festa, clubs and so many others NGO's. Above all, primarily the elderly are the

main child minders within thousands of families so that their children can go on and proceed with

their careers. All this voluntarily wor

financial compensation.

The increase in the number of elderly is also resulting in an overwhelming demand for institutional

care. The government has built and will continue to build homes

across the island. As much as possible we would like our elderly to stay in the vicinity of their

hometown where they were brought up near their family and loved ones. Recently a home for the

elderly was built at Dar il-Madonna tal

block in St Vincent de Paule residence, John Paul the II

not only include all the commodities for patients and staff but also for the firs

two wards specifically for dementia patients. In line with these new facilities we have also

completed two most luxurious wards at St Jean Antide Complex at Attard which will house another

64 elderly residents.

Yet it is our strong philosophy that the government is not there to substitute the family. The

government is there to provide support through a variety of community services to help the family

look after their elderly loved ones. Of course there will be occasions when due to a

consequences the family cannot cope anymore and in such a case admission of the elderly relative at

an institution is inevitable. Yet we strongly believe that the best place for our beloved elderly is at

home with family and friends. No home fo

qualified nurses, can substitute the care and warmth of the family.

Hon. Mario Galea

Parliamentiary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care

4

Foreword

Higher standards of living both in Malta and Europe have resulted in a

better level of health and increased longevity. According to the

Demographic Review of the National Statistics Office, the life expectancy

in Malta has reached 77 years for males and 82 years in females. The

total number of elderly aged 65 years and over at the end of 2008 was

58,179 which represents 14% of the total population. In ten years time,

this figure will rise to 71,000 which will be 17% of the total population.

This unprecedented demographic change brings new challenges

including a proportionate increase in the prevalence of chronic disabling

physical conditionals. It is now also recognised that the scale of mental

health in the elderly is far greater than previously thought. In fact the

European Pact for mental Health agreed in Brussels last year

“Promoting health and active ageing is one of the EU’s key policy objectives……

Policy makers and stake holders are invited to take action on mental health of older people…”



elderly person aged 80+. In Malta it is estimated that 4,500 suffer from Dementia while in Europe

the number of people suffering from dementia is over six million.


medicine, has managed to increase life expectancy is an overwhelming experience. Locally it is


elderly are the backbone in every voluntarily organisation, they are there day in, day ou



their careers. All this voluntarily work by our senior citizens is carried out in silence and without any


care. The government has built and will continue to build homes for the elderly in various locations



Madonna tal-Mellieha. We have also completed the building of a new

aule residence, John Paul the II which will house 144 elderly residents. It does

not only include all the commodities for patients and staff but also for the firs



ilosophy that the government is not there to substitute the family. The


look after their elderly loved ones. Of course there will be occasions when due to a



home with family and friends. No home for the elderly, comfortable as it may be and with the most

qualified nurses, can substitute the care and warmth of the family.

r the Elderly and Community Care

“Promoting health and active ageing is one of the EU’s key policy objectives……

ealth of older people…”



a it is estimated that 4,500 suffer from Dementia while in Europe


life expectancy is an overwhelming experience. Locally it is


elderly are the backbone in every voluntarily organisation, they are there day in, day out running the



k by our senior citizens is carried out in silence and without any


for the elderly in various locations



Mellieha. We have also completed the building of a new

which will house 144 elderly residents. It does

not only include all the commodities for patients and staff but also for the first time we have built



ilosophy that the government is not there to substitute the family. The


look after their elderly loved ones. Of course there will be occasions when due to a number of



r the elderly, comfortable as it may be and with the most

HEALTH INTERVIEW SURVEY 2008 – HEALTH STATUS OF THE ELDERLY

5

Preface

This is the second thematic report derived from the European Health Interview Survey carried out in

2008 by the Department of Health Information and Research. This questionnaire addressed a

number of areas, including the use of health care services and resources. This survey was conducted

in a randomly selected sample of 5500 adults resident in Malta. A response rate of 72% was

attained.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of issues faced by a subgroup of the respondent

population – that aged above 60 years of age which we are defining as the Maltese elderly

population.

Maltese elderly appear to follow similar patterns to those observed in elderly communities

elsewhere. In this insight into the health status of the Maltese elderly, one notes a well-described

disparity between men and women. While women are expected to live longer than men, more of

their latter years of life are spent in bad health. In both genders, heart disease and related

conditions, such as high blood pressure, are considered as the most common causes of morbidity

and mortality. In fact, up to 46% reported suffering from high blood pressure in this age group, 39%

requiring medication. While most elderly report frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables,

physical activity appears to be on the low side and obesity is a major issue. More effort to promote

a healthy lifestyle in the elderly are needed.

There is a gender discrepancy in limitations and difficulties to cope with the demands of everyday

life. As expected, elderly men, particularly those living on their own, report the greatest difficulty in

preparing meals and shopping, while women struggle mostly with the management of finances and

with keeping up with the required housework.

Nevertheless, regardless of these difficulties, the Maltese elderly appear to have a fairly positive

outlook on life. While acknowledging deterioration in vitality with increasing age, the majority do

feel that in general their health is good and most try to work around their limitations.

Dr. Neville Calleja Dr. Natasha Azzopardi Muscat

Director Director General

Department of Health Information and Research Strategy and Sustainability Division


6

Acknowledgements

The Department of Health Information and Research wishes to take this opportunity to thank all

survey respondents as well as Informa, the market research company which was contracted to

conduct the fieldwork, for their contribution towards the success of this exercise.

Special thanks are also due to our colleagues at EUROSTAT who have supported this project with 3

direct grants amounting to €204,124.95 and a Multi-Beneficiary Grant under the Transitional Facility

Funds 2004 of €36,180.10 to a total of €240,304.95 in EU funding. The Maltese HIS team is also

indebted for technical support supplied through the Technical Group and Core Group on Health

Interview Surveys, in particular, Mr. Lucian Agafitei (EUROSTAT), Ms. Marleen de Smedt (EUROSTAT)

and Dr. Niels Rasmussen (DK), who had helped set out the roadmap for this project back in 2007.

Thanks also go to our sponsors for the support and gifts they have offered to aid in the success of

this survey. These included:

Locally, DHIR is indebted to NSO, particularly to Mr. Silvan Zammit and Mr. Etienne Caruana for

carrying out the sampling and, the Directorate-General Strategy and Sustainability, led by Dr.

Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, and the Ministry of Social Policy for its continued support for this

project.

Finally, this project would have not materialised without the unstinting efforts of the project team

and several staff members who shouldered this survey over and above their normal routine duties.

The list is endless but a special mention goes to a number of German students from the Schule für

Medizinische Dokumentation in Ulm and the University of Bremen who have been attached to this

project.

This report has been compiled by Ms. Dorothy Gauci.

Little People/Home Trends

Europharma Medical Centre

Alf Mizzi & Sons

Zammit & Cachia

AIRMALTA

CAA

Chemimart

Corinthia Group of Companies

Tip Top Ltd.

St. Lucia Confectionary

Merlin Library

Mellieha Holiday Complex

Calypso Hotel

JB Stores

Bristow

Cornucopia Hotel

Jokate

Azzopardi Fisheries

Unicare

GO Mobile

Klikk

Cynergi Health & Fitness Club

Digital Planet

Michael & Guy

Vernon’s

A. Falzon Energy Projects

Kekoo Modi

The Plaza Hotel

The Victoria Hotel

Petrolea Ltd

Ramis

Eden Superbowl

Topaz Hotel


7

Contents

Foreword ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Preface .................................................................................................................................................... 4

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. 6

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 9

The definition of “elderly” .................................................................................................................. 9

Socio-demographic characteristics ....................................................................................................... 11

Population size .................................................................................................................................. 11

Life expectancy and healthy life years .............................................................................................. 11

Mortality ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Housing ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Marital status .................................................................................................................................... 12

Employment ...................................................................................................................................... 12

Self-perceived health and morbidity .................................................................................................... 13

General health and long-standing illness .......................................................................................... 13

Morbidity .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Quality of life ......................................................................................................................................... 15

Sensory limitations ............................................................................................................................ 15

Activities of daily living...................................................................................................................... 15

Instrumental activities of daily living ................................................................................................ 15

Vitality ............................................................................................................................................... 16

Mental wellbeing .............................................................................................................................. 16

Social support.................................................................................................................................... 17

Lifestyle ................................................................................................................................................. 18

BMI and physical activity .................................................................................................................. 18

Nutrition ............................................................................................................................................ 18

Alcohol .............................................................................................................................................. 18

Smoking ............................................................................................................................................. 19

Utilisation of healthcare services .......................................................................................................... 20

Hospital services and GP consultation .............................................................................................. 20

Community care service use ............................................................................................................. 20

Medication consumption .................................................................................................................. 20

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 22

Figures and Tables ................................................................................................................................ 23


8

Contents – Figures

Figure 1: Frequency of elderly males and females amongst Maltese population in each age group .................. 23

Figure 2: Percentage of elderly population living in single person households subdivided by age ..................... 23

Figure 3: Marital status of the elderly male population subdivided by age ......................................................... 24

Figure 4: Marital status of the elderly female population subdivided by age ...................................................... 24

Figure 5: Self perceived health amongst elderly males subdivided by age .......................................................... 25

Figure 6: Self perceived health amongst elderly females subdivided by age ....................................................... 25

Figure 7: Percentage of elderly population suffering from a long standing health condition/illness subdivided by

gender and age ..................................................................................................................................................... 26

Figure 8: Percentage of elderly population being limited by a long standing illness/health condition subdivided

by gender and age ................................................................................................................................................ 26

Figure 9: Average vitality score and mental health score amongst elderly population subdivided by age ......... 27

Figure 10: Number of close friends or family respondents feel they have subdivided by age............................. 27

Figure 11: BMI categories amongst elderly population subdivided by age .......................................................... 28

Figure 12: Level of physical activity amongst elderly population subdivided by age ........................................... 28

Figure 13: Number of days weekly spent walking at least 10 minutes amongst elderly population subdivided by

age ........................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Figure 14: Alcohol consumption amongst the elderly population subdivided by age ......................................... 29

Figure 15: Rate of state hospital admittance amongst elderly in 2008 subdivided by age (Source: National

Hospital Activity Data, 2008) ................................................................................................................................ 30

Figure 16: Self-reported private and public GP consultation in the past 4 weeks amongst elderly population

subdivided by age ................................................................................................................................................. 30

Figure 17: Rate of use of any community care service amongst elderly population in the past 12 months

subdivided by age ................................................................................................................................................. 31

Figure 18: Rate of use of community care services amongst the elderly population subdivided by age............. 31

Contents – Tables

Table 1: Top causes of mortality amongst elderly females in 2008 ..................................................................... 32

Table 2: Top causes of mortality amongst elderly males in 2008......................................................................... 32

Table 3: Percentage of elderly population living within institutions by age groups ............................................. 33

Table 4: Morbidity rates amongst the elderly population subdivided by age ...................................................... 33

Table 5: Percentage of elderly females having extreme difficulty with sensory function subdivided by age ...... 34

Table 6: Percentage of elderly males having extreme difficulty with sensory functioning subdivided by age .... 34

Table 7: Percentage of elderly females having difficulty or extreme difficulty with ADL's .................................. 34

Table 8: Percentage of elderly males having difficulty or extreme difficulty with ADL's ..................................... 34

Table 9: Percentage of elderly females having difficulty or extreme difficulty with IADL's ................................. 35

Table 10: Percentage of elderly males having difficulty or extreme difficulty with IADL's .................................. 35

Table 11: Fruit consumption amongst the elderly population subdivided by age ............................................... 35

Table 12: Vegetable consumption amongst the elderly population subdivided by age ...................................... 35

Table 13: Smoking amongst the elderly population subdivided by age ............................................................... 36

Table 14: Medication consumption amongst the elderly population subdivided by age .................................... 36


9

Introduction

The need to have detailed information on the

health status of the elderly population

becomes more urgent when considering the

rate at which our population is ageing.

Projections for the EU 27 member states show

that by 2060 the mean age of the population

will rise to 48 years and 30% of the total EU

population is expected to be aged 65 years

and over. This amounts to 151.5 million

individuals. Furthermore the number of

people aged 80 years and over is projected to

triple to 61.4 million people. These increases

will undoubtedly bring with them greater

dependency on national health and social

services. In fact in the EU the old-age

dependency ratio which is a measure of the

percentage of the population aged 65 and

over that will be dependent on the population

aged between 15 and 64, is expected to

increase drastically from its current level of

25% to 54% in 20601. The old-age dependency

ratio for Malta is projected to be 51% by

20602.

This report is one of the first comprehensive

overviews of the health status of the elderly

population in Malta. The aim is to outline any

health inequalities present within the elderly

population and to research five main topics –

• Socio-demographic characteristics of

the elderly population such as marital

status, employment, mortality,

housing and healthy life years.

1 Population and social conditions – Ageing

characterises the demographic perspectives of the

European societies, Giannakouris K, EUROSTAT,

2008

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFP

UB/KS-SF-08-072/EN/KS-SF-08-072-EN.PDF

2 Spectrum policy modelling system, Futures group

international, USA

• Self perceived health and morbidity.

• Quality of life issues such as sensory

functioning, activities of daily living,

vitality, mental well-being and social

support.

• Life style habits such as physical

activity, nutrition and smoking.

• The utilisation of healthcare services

such as hospital services, GP

consultation and medication

consumption.

The data in this report was compiled from the

2008 European Health Interview Survey. This

survey was conducted between June and

August 2008 with a representative sample

taken from the National Statistics Office (NSO)

population register. The survey population

was a weighted stratified sample based on

age, gender and locality. This survey was

carried out through face-to-face interviews by

specifically trained interviewers. Sensitive

questions were administered as a self-

completed questionnaire returned in a sealed

envelope to the interviewers following the

face-to-face interviewing session. The study

population consisted of 5500 Maltese

residents aged 15 years and over. The

response rate was 72%.

The definition of “elderly”

In this report the elderly population is defined

as the population aged 60 years and over.

While EUROSTAT, the World Health

Organization and other international bodies

classify the elderly as those aged 65 years and

over, it was decided that 60 years would be a

better cut off point since it is the legal

definition of elderly used in Malta and the


10

basis for certain policies to social benefits

offered to the elderly. Grouping all

individuals over 60 as elderly however does

not offer enough insight into the demands of

specific age cohorts within this population. It

is being increasingly recognized that

individuals at age 60 face very different issues

and challenges when compared to those aged

70 or 80. Therefore a further subdivision of

the elderly population must be made. In this

report the elderly are divided into three age

groups:

• Young- old: 60 – 74 years

• Old-old: 75 – 84 years

• Oldest-old: 85 years and over3

3 Whitbourne, S. K. (2005), Adult development and

aging, John Wiley & Sons, USA

In total there were 1009 respondents aged 60

and over. The response rate for this sub-

population was 73%. As sampling was

stratified by age to give a representative

picture of the actual elderly population, the

largest group of respondents was amongst the

young-old. There were 719 respondents aged

60 to 74, 244 aged 75 to 84 and 46

respondents aged 85 and over. It is important

that one appreciates the differences in these

numbers when comparing data and trends

discussed in the report especially in relation

to the size of the oldest age group.


11

Socio-demographic

characteristics

Population size

According to the 2005 census, 19.9% of the

Maltese population is 60 years or older (Fig 1).

Based on projections compiled by the

National Statistics Office, the percentage of

persons age 65 and over is expected to

increase to 20% by 2025 and 24% by 2050.

On the other hand the expected percentage

of those under 20 is projected to drop to 17%

in 20504.

Life expectancy and healthy life

years

The average life expectancy calculated

according to mortality data from 2008 is

estimated at 77 years for males and 82 years

for females4. While life expectancy estimates

clearly show that the population is living

longer, they do not give an indication of how

long this aging elderly population will live in

good health. To counteract this, the concept

of healthy life years was developed. This

measure calculates the percentage of life

after 65 years of age that a person is expected

to live without self-reported long term activity

limitations or disability. In 2006 women at

age 65 are expected to spend 50% of their life

without limitations while men at age 65 could

expect to live 61% of their life without

limitations. These healthy life year values are

above the EU average for both women and

men. While women tend to live longer than

men, according to healthy life year measures

4 Demographic Review 2008, National Statistic Office

Malta

they spend fewer years after the age of 65

without limitations in activities of daily living5.

Mortality

The most common cause of mortality in 2008

amongst those over 60 within both genders

was heart disease, with 21% of deaths in

females and 23% of deaths in males being due

to this condition. 6 Deaths due to cancer are

most common in the young-old age group for

both genders. Cancer of the breast, cancer of

the colon/rectum/anus and cancer of the

pancreas is most common amongst females

while cancer of the lung/trachea and cancer

of the colon/rectum/anus is most common

amongst men. Deaths due to heart disease

are higher amongst the old-old when

compared to the other two age groups. In the

oldest-old deaths due to cerebrovascular

disease, dementia and chest infection are the

highest in comparison to the younger age

groups (Table 1 & Table 2).

Housing

Census data shows that 2.3% of those aged

between 60 and 74 live within institutions.

This increases to 30% in those 85 years and

over (Table 3). According to HIS 2008 data the

number of elderly people living alone

increases as age increases. 14% of the young-

old reported living in a single person

household. This increases to 33% in the

oldest-old (Fig 2). This could be due to the

fact that as age increases the number of

widows within the elderly population

increases.

5 EHEMU Country reports – Issue 2 – April 2008,

Health expectancy in Malta 6 National Mortality Registry, 2008, Department of

Health Information and Research, Malta


12

Marital status

Of the respondents aged between 75 and 84,

16% of males were widowed while 35% of

females were widowed. In the oldest-old,

these rates increase to 40% amongst males

and 58% amongst females. While amongst

males within all age groups the majority were

married, for females the majority in those 75

years and over were widowed or single (Fig 3

& 4).

Employment

The 47% of respondents over 60 reported that

they had retired from employment. The

second largest group were those who

maintained their role of fulfilling domestic

tasks at 38%. The rate of persons still

employed was highest amongst the young-old

with 10% stating that they still worked for

pay.

� According to the 2005 census, 19.9% of the Maltese population is 60 years and

older.

� By 2050 it is projected that 24% of the Maltese population will be aged 65 years

and over.

� The average life expectancy for males is 77 years while for females it is 82 years.

� In 2006 women at age 65 are expected to spend 50% of the rest of their life

without limitations while men at age 65 could expect to live 61% of the rest of

life without limitations.

� The most common cause of mortality amongst the elderly within both genders

in 2008 was heart disease.

� Census data shows that 2.3% of the young-old live within institutions and this

increases to 30% in the oldest-old.

� While amongst males within all age groups the majority were married, for

females the majority in those 75 years and over were widowed or single.

� The 47% of the elderly respondents reported that they had retired from

employment.


13

Self-perceived health and

morbidity

General health and long-standing

illness

The elderly Maltese population report that in

general their health is good (47%) and fair

(38%) with 8.3% reporting very good health.

From 2002 there has been an increase in

those reporting very good and good health. In

2002 39% reported good health and 4.8%

reported very good health.

The majority of the young-old males and

females reported that in general their health

was good (55% and 47% respectively). Males

in this age group report higher rates of good

and very good health when compared to

women. In the old-old age group the majority

of respondents report their health as fair

(50%) with still a high percentage reporting

good health (37%). In the oldest-old age

group, amongst males there is still a majority

reporting fair health (45%) with another

considerable percentage reporting good

health (35%) however there is a rise to 15%

reporting bad health. For women in this age

group most report good health (42%)

followed by those reporting fair health. While

this seems to indicate that women in the

oldest age group have a better level of self

perceived health, there is also a considerable

increase in those reporting very bad health

with 15% of women 85 and over giving this

response as opposed to no men of similar age

(Fig 5 & Fig 6).

As age increases, the percentage of

respondents having a longstanding illness/

health problem increases7. Overall 59.5% of

7 Longstanding illness or health problem was

defined to have lasted or expected to last 6

months or more.

the elderly reported suffering from a long

standing health condition which is an increase

from 48.3% in 2002. Women consistently

achieve higher percentages of reported

longstanding conditions in all age groups

when compared to men. At 60 to 74 years of

age 50% of men reported having a health

problem that was long standing compared to

62% of women. In oldest-old age group this

percentage rises to 65% for men and 77% for

women (Fig 7).

As age increases the extent of limitation due

to reported long standing illness/health

problem also increases. Women are more

severely limited by their health problems than

men in all age groups. 10% of males aged 60

to 74 were severely limited in the last 6

months by a health problem compared to 12%

of women. These percentages rise to 17%

and 24% respectively in the old-old age group.

By 85+ one-fourth of men and nearly half of

women are limited severely by their health

problems or illness (Fig 8).

Morbidity

The top reported health condition in those

aged 60 and over is high blood pressure with

46% of respondents suffering from this

condition which is an increase from 34% in

2002. This is followed by arthritis (40%),

back/neck pain (27%), diabetes (20%) and

mental health problems (18%). Morbidity

rates for certain conditions tend to be highest

in the old-old age group followed by a drop in

the oldest-old age group. This could be due to

the fact that individuals 85 years and over are

the ‘survivors’ not afflicted by the most

common conditions affecting those in the

middle age groups which may prove fatal as

time goes by. Conditions reported most

amongst the old-old when compared to the

other two age groups were high blood

pressure (51%), arthritis (48%), diabetes


14

(22%), respiratory problems (16%) and cancer

(5%). Mental health problems (29%),

cataracts (37%), cardiac problems (24%),

urinary incontinence (13%), stomach ulcers

(9%) and stroke (11%) were highest in those

85 years and over (Table 4).

� The majority of the young-old males and females reported that in general their

health is good. Males in this age group report higher rates of good and very

good health when compared with women.

� In the old-old age group the majority of respondents report their health as fair

with still a high percentage reporting good health.

� In the oldest-old age group, amongst males there is still a majority reporting fair

health however there is a rise to 15% reporting bad health. For women in this

age group the majority report good health however 15% report very bad health.

� As age increases, the percentage of respondents having a longstanding illness/

health problem increases.

� Women consistently achieve higher percentages of reported longstanding

conditions in all age groups.

� As age increases the extent of limitation due to reported long standing

illness/health problem also increases.

� Women are more severely limited by their health problems than men in all age

groups.

� The health condition most common amongst the elderly is high blood pressure

with 46% of respondents suffering from this condition.


15

Quality of life

Sensory limitations

Sensory functions such as vision and hearing

begin to deteriorate as a person ages. By 85

years and over 39% of women and 47% of

men reported having extreme difficulty or a

complete inability to see newspaper print

even if wearing glasses. This shows a marked

increase from 6% in the young-old age group.

Short-sightedness fairs better, but still shows

a trend of increased difficulty with age. By 85

years men seem to suffer more in short-

sightedness with double the respondents

reporting difficulty in recognizing someone

from 4 metres away even if wearing glasses or

contact lenses. Hearing problems even if

aided by a hearing aid, are also more

prominent in men. While at age 75 to 84

there is only a 2% difference in reported

difficulty rates between genders with 13% of

men having difficulty hearing what is said in a

conversation, at 85 and over men report

extreme difficulty in hearing at a rate that is

10% higher than women (Table 5 & Table 6).

Activities of daily living

Activities of daily living (ADL) are those self-

care tasks which an individual performs during

the course of a normal day. These include

activities such as eating, dressing, bathing and

making use of toilets. Performing such self-

care tasks can be compromised by chronic

illness, accidents and disability. Being limited

in such essential skills of self-care can make a

person severely dependent on others.

Difficulty with these tasks increases with age.

Overall elderly women reported a higher level

of difficulty or extreme difficulty in managing

activities of daily living (18% amongst women

and 11% amongst men). Since women live

longer than men but have a shorter healthy

life year estimate, it is possible that women

are having a prolonged life with greater

disability while the surviving men are those

who were not afflicted with disabling

conditions earlier on in life. In the old-old age

group the highest reported difficulty for men

is in feeding oneself at 2% while for women

4% reported problems getting in and out of

bed. At 85 years and over 20% of women

reported difficulty bathing/showering when

compared to 11% of men with similar

difficulties. On the other hand men of the

same age group reported double the difficulty

in using toilets than women in the same age

group (Table 7 & Table 8).

A vast (84%; n=850) majority of those with

difficulty performing these tasks managed the

tasks on their own even if with limitations. Of

those receiving help (n=156) the majority

were supported through personal assistance

(n=121) while a few had technical aids and

housing adaptations. Only a few receiving

help said that they do not have enough help

(n=16). They stated that the help they would

want more of is personal assistance. Of those

performing the activities on their own, 5%

said that they would want help. The majority

of these would require personal assistance

followed by housing adaptations.

Instrumental activities of daily

living

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are

those tasks undertaken to maintain an

individual’s home environment and ability to

live independently such as cooking, shopping,

house cleaning, managing medication and

using the telephone. While being limited in

such task is not as debilitating as being limited

in self-care tasks, having problems managing

IADL’s independently may still prevent an


16

individual maintaining an adequate standard

of living.

As age increases, reported difficulty with

IADL’s increases. Unlike with ADL’s women do

not report the highest level of limitation in all

tasks but there seems to be certain tasks

associated to men and women respectively.

In all age groups men tend to report greatest

difficulty in domestic tasks such as preparing

meals, shopping and using the telephone.

Women on the other hand reported greater

difficulties in tasks such as light housework,

heavy housework and managing finances. In

the old-old age group the greatest difficulty

for women is with heavy housework at 19%

followed by managing finances (7%). For men

in the same age group the greatest difficulty is

also in heavy house work at 11% followed by

shopping (10%) Difficulty does increase

greatly in the oldest-old age group for both

genders but is greater for women. 54% have

problems with heavy housework, 33% with

managing medication and 21% with light

housework and shopping. Amongst men aged

85+ 36% have problems with shopping, 33%

with heavy housework and 19% with

preparing meals (Table 9 & Table 10).

When compared to ADL’s, a greater

percentage of respondents with difficulties

with IADL’s reported having help in managing

these tasks. About one-third of those with

difficulty had help for at least one activity with

93% (n=217) receiving personal assistance. A

small number of those receiving help (n=29)

felt that they did not get enough help and

reported that they mostly do not get enough

personal assistance. Only a small number of

those managing these activities without help

felt that they needed help (n=10) with these

individuals wanting help through personal

assistance.

Vitality

The vitality index is calculated based on

questions measuring a person’s self-perceived

level of energy and vigour. Respondents

were asked questions relating to the four

weeks prior to the interview about whether

they felt full of life, full of energy, worn out

and tired. 8

The vitality index score drops as age increases.

The score for the young-old is 64 which is two

points lower than the average score for the

entire population aged 15 and over. This

drops further for those aged 85 and over (Fig

9).

Mental wellbeing

The mental health index aims to give a score

for over all non-specific mental distress based

on questions addressing levels of self-

perceived negative feelings of depression,

anxiety and positive affect8.

As opposed to the vitality index score, the

mental health index score remains stable

along all age groups 60 and over. Also the

score remains comparable to the average

score obtained by the general population age

15 and over. Questions related to mental

well-being tend to be very subjective and

individuals are less willing to disclose

information pertaining to mental distress

because of the taboo surrounding mental

illness. This could be contributing to the

apparent lack of decline of mental well being

with age even if the morbidity rate of mental

health problems was seen to increase (Fig 9).

8 EUROHIS, Developing common instruments for

health surveys, Nosikov, A & Gudex, C, WHO 2003


17

Social support

Isolation, alienation, elder abuse, loneliness

and personal loss (bereavement) are all risk

factors for mental disorders. Having a strong

supportive network of individuals to help deal

with personal problems and stress is an

important factor in maintaining a good level

of mental well being9. Respondents were

asked about the number of people they have

in their life that they felt close enough to that

9 Prevention of mental disorders – Effective intervention

and policy options, WHO;

http://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/en/preve

ntion_of_mental_disorders_sr.pdf

they could count on them if they have serious

problems (no distinction is made between

relatives and friends). 3% of those aged 60

and over stated that they had no one in their

life to offer support while the vast majority

had 1 to 2 individuals (47%) with a large

number having 3 to 5 (37%). The largest

percentage to have more than 5 individuals

they felt close too were the oldest-old elderly

(Fig 10).

� Sensory functions such as vision and hearing begin to deteriorate as a person ages.

� Overall women reported a greater difficulty in managing ADL’s.

� A vast majority of those with difficulty performing these tasks managed the tasks on their

own even if with limitations.

� As age increases reported difficulty with IADL’s increases.

� In all age groups men tend to report greatest difficulty in domestic tasks such as

preparing meals. Women on the other hand reported greater difficulties in tasks such as

heavy housework.

� When compared to ADL’s, a greater percentage of respondents with difficulties with

IADL’s reported having help in managing these tasks.

� The vitality index score drops as age increases. As opposed to the vitality index score,

the mental health index score remains stable along all age groups.

� 3% of respondents stated that they had no one in their life to offer support while the vast

majority had 1 to 2 individuals (47%) with a large number having 3 to 5 (37%).


18

Lifestyle

BMI and physical activity

BMI was calculated using self-reported weight

and height measures. The average BMI for

the elderly is 28, which is considered as

overweight bordering on to obese. This has

remained the same from 2002. The highest

percentage of obese individuals is in the

young-old age group with 30% having a BMI

of >30.01. This age group also has the highest

percentage of individuals who are overweight.

The highest percentage of individuals having a

normal weight is amongst those aged 85 and

over followed by those aged between 75 and

84 (Fig 11). Obesity is associated with many

chronic conditions such as diabetes and high

blood pressure.

Due to physical limitations brought on by the

aging process, the extent to which an elderly

individual can perform moderate or vigorous

activity decreases. A measure was calculated

using the data collected regarding number of

minutes spent weekly on vigorous and

moderate activity as well as walking. This

equation was weighted to represent the level

of energy employed in each form of activity10

.

The percentage of individuals having a

moderate and high level of physical activity

decreases with age. In fact for all age groups

the majority of individuals have a low level of

physical activity. However notwithstanding

this, in all age groups there is still a higher

percentage having a high level of physical

activity than a moderate level of physical

activity (Fig 12).

While walking does not contribute highly to

the overall level of physical activity calculated

10

Nosikov, A & Gudex, C (2003), EUROHIS,

Developing common instruments for health

surveys, WHO

previously as it is the activity which involves

the least energy consumption, it is still an

important form of exercise and popular

amongst the elderly. In fact 51% of the

young-old go for a walk 5 days or more a

week. While this percentage drops as age

increases it still remains considerably high in

the old-old age group at 44% and in the

oldest-old age group at 28%. However as age

increases the percentage of individuals who

do not walk at all during the week increases

with 44% in the old-old age group and the

majority, 65%, in the oldest-old age group (Fig

13).

Nutrition

Fruit consumption is very high amongst the

elderly with 83% consuming fruit at least once

a day. The highest rate of daily consumption

is amongst the old-old. Only 2% of the elderly

population never consume fruit and in the

oldest age group respondents reported

consuming fruit either daily or at least once

weekly with no respondents reporting not

consuming fruit (Table 11).

Vegetable consumption was less frequent but

still considerably high. 56% consumed

vegetables daily while a high percentage

(36%) consumed at least once weekly. Daily

vegetable consumption was again highest

amongst the old-old age group (Table 12).

Alcohol

The majority of elderly respondents (72%)

reported that in the last 12 months they

consumed alcohol rarely or never.


19

Consumption rates amongst those who do

drink alcohol vary within age groups. In the

old-old age group the majority consume

alcohol daily while for the young-old age

group the majority consume weekly (Fig 14).

The daily consumption rate amongst the

elderly is 3% higher than that for the general

population aged 15 and over. The most

popular beverage amongst the elderly is wine

with an average consumption of 3 glasses a

week. This is followed by beer with an

average consumption of 1 bottle a week.

Smoking

86% of the elderly reported that they do not

smoke. This is slightly lower than 2002 where

89% reported not smoking. The highest

percentage of daily smokers is amongst those

young-old at 14%. In the old-old group this

percentage drops to half this amount while in

the oldest-old there is no reported daily

smoking. The highest rate of occasional

smoking is in the oldest-old age group (Table

13). Manufactured cigarettes are the most

popular amongst those who smoke daily.

� The average BMI for the elderly population is 28 which is categorized as overweight.

� The percentage of individuals having a moderate and high level of physical activity

decreases with age.

� The majority of the young-old go for a walk 5 days or more a week. This percentage

remains considerably high in the old-old age group and the oldest-old age group.

� Fruit consumption is very high amongst the elderly population with 83% consuming fruit at

least once a day.

� 56% consumed vegetables at least once a day.

� 72% of respondents reported that in the last 12 months they consumed alcohol rarely or

never.

� The daily alcohol consumption rate amongst the elderly is 3% higher than that for the

general population aged 15 and over.

� 86% of the respondents reported that they do not smoke.


20

Utilisation of healthcare

services

Hospital services and GP

consultation

As age increases the percentage of hospital

admissions within each age group increases.

According to national data pertaining to state

hospitals, 22% of those aged between 60 and

74 were admitted to hospital in 2008 while

53% of those aged 85 and over were admitted

(Fig 15)11

. When looking at the self reported

admittance rates collected through the HIS

survey the percentages are comparably lower

for the middle and oldest age group. 28% of

the old-old reported being admitted to

hospital in the 12 months prior to the

interview while 15% of the oldest-old

reported admission. This could be indicating a

bias whereby those individuals who were

available for an interview tended to be those

who were healthier.

The use of public GP services decreases with

age while the use of a private GP services

increases with age. In fact in the oldest-old

age group only 2% reported consulting a

public GP in the four weeks before the

interview as opposed to 33% reporting having

consulted a private GP in the same time

period (Fig 16). This increasing gap in use of

these two services may be outlining issues of

accessibility to primary health care services

amongst the elderly. As mobility becomes

more difficult, individuals would probably

require home visits from their GP’s and would

therefore be more likely to seek services from

the private sector.

11

National Hospital Activity Data, DHIR 2008

Community care service use

Overall reported care service use is low within

the elderly population. 11% of the elderly

reported making use of at least one

community care service in the 12 months

prior to their interview. Rate of use of care

services triples after the age of 74 with 21% of

the old-old and 24% of the oldest-old

reporting making use of at least one service

(Fig 17). The service used most overall is

home help with 7% of the elderly reporting

making use of this service. This service is used

most by the oldest-old (24%). 11% of this age

group also make use of home care services

provided by a nurse (Fig 18).

Medication consumption

The medication consumed most by the elderly

is medication for high blood pressure with

39% reporting being prescribed this type of

medication which is an increase from 31% in

2002. This is followed by medication for high

blood cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular

disease and mental health problems. When

comparing between age groups the young-old

had the highest consumption rate for

medication for reducing high blood

cholesterol and osteoporosis. For those

oldest-old consumption was highest when

compared to the other age groups for

medication for cardiovascular disease, sleep

difficulties and stomach problems. The old-

old age group had the highest rate of

medicine consumption over all with highest

rates for medication for high blood pressure,

diabetes, arthritis, mental health problems

and others (Table 14).


21

� As age increases the percentage of hospital admissions within each age group

increases. According to national data pertaining to state hospitals 22% of the young-

old were admitted to hospital in 2008 compared with 53% of the oldest-old

� As age increases the elderly are far more likely to consult a private GP than a public

GP.

� Overall reported care service use is low within the elderly population. 11% reported

making use of at least one community care service in the 12 months prior to the

interview.

� The community care service used most overall is home help.

� The medication consumed most by the elderly is medication for high blood pressure

with 39% of this population reporting being prescribed this type of medication.


22

Conclusion

This report gives an overview of the health

status of the elderly population focusing on

socio-demographic characteristics, self-

perceived health, morbidity, quality of life,

lifestyle and the utilisation of healthcare

services. Projections show that the

population will continue to age and in 50

years we can expect to have half the

population aged 65 and over dependent on

the younger population. This will lead to a

greater burden on the national health system

and social services and thus underscores the

need for information on the health

requirements of the elderly population. The

findings of this report shows that in general

the elderly perceive their health as good or

fair. As expected physical and sensory

limitations increase with age but most of

those who are limited or severely limited

manage tasks of daily living independently.

Overall women live longer than men but are

more limited by their health conditions. The

elderly population seem to maintain good

health habits with a large proportion

consuming fruits and vegetables daily,

consuming little alcohol with wine being the

beverage of choice and maintaining lower

rates of daily smoking when compared to the

overall population. Low levels of physical

activity and a high BMI amongst the elderly

could be addressed to continuously improve

the lifestyle of this sub-population. High

blood pressure is the highest reported

condition amongst the population and

medication for high blood pressure gains the

highest consumption rate. In 2008 the top

cause of mortality amongst the elderly was

heart disease. Improving access to primary

health care services and promoting

community care services amongst the elderly

could help reduce the burden on secondary

health care services and institutions.


23

Figures and Tables

Figure 1: Frequency of elderly males and females amongst Maltese population in each age group

Figure 2: Percentage of elderly population living in single person households subdivided by age

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

50000

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+ Total

Co

un

t

Age group

Males Females

14.5

25.0

32.6

17.8

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+ Total

%

Age group


24

Figure 3: Marital status of the elderly male population subdivided by age

Figure 4: Marital status of the elderly female population subdivided by age

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

%

Age group

Divorced/separated Single (never married) Widowed Married

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

%

Age group

Divorced/separated Single (never married) Widowed Married


25

Figure 5: Self perceived health amongst elderly males subdivided by age

Figure 6: Self perceived health amongst elderly females subdivided by age

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

60 - 74

75 - 84

85+

%

Ag

e g

rou

pVery good Good Fair Bad Very bad

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

60 - 74

75 - 84

85+

%

Ag

e g

rou

p

Very good Good Fair Bad Very bad


26

Figure 7: Percentage of elderly population suffering from a long standing health condition/illness subdivided by gender

and age

Figure 8: Percentage of elderly population being limited by a long standing illness/health condition subdivided by gender

and age

49.8

62.565.0

61.9

69.9

76.9

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

%

Age group

Male Female

10.0

22.1

11.6

31.8

16.7

43.8

24.3

39.640.0

35.0

46.2

34.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Severely limited Limited but not

severely

Severely limited Limited but not

severely

Male Female

%

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+


27

Figure 9: Average vitality score and mental health score amongst elderly population subdivided by age

Figure 10: Number of close friends or family respondents feel they have subdivided by age

64

5753

6669

6769 70

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+ Total population 15

and over

Sco

re

Age group

Mean Vitality Score Mean Mental Health Score

2.7

48.1

38.0

10.8

2.5

46.1

33.6

14.9

4.3

43.5

32.6

19.6

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

None 1-2 3-5 More than 5

%

Number of close friends or family

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+


28

Figure 11: BMI categories amongst elderly population subdivided by age

Figure 12: Level of physical activity amongst elderly population subdivided by age

0.63.1

24.0

42.6

29.7

1.3

4.4

28.5

38.6

27.2

13.6

31.8

40.9

13.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

<=18.00 18.01 - 20.00 20.01 - 25.00 25.01 - 30.00 >=30.01

%

BMI group

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

58.1

18.523.4

73.3

10.716.0

89.1

4.3 6.5

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Low level of physical activity Moderate level of physical

activity

High level of physical activity

%

Level of physical activity

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+


29

Figure 13: Number of days weekly spent walking at least 10 minutes amongst elderly population subdivided by age

Figure 14: Alcohol consumption amongst the elderly population subdivided by age

29.1

9.6 10.2

51.2

44.3

6.64.9

44.3

65.2

6.5

28.3

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 1 - 2 3 - 4 >=5

%

Days

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

11.4

7.0

8.9

11.7

5.04.4

8.0

9.9

2.2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

%

Age group

Less than once a week More than once weekly Every day


30

Figure 15: Rate of state hospital admittance amongst elderly in 2008 subdivided by age (Source: National Hospital

Activity Data, 2008)

Figure 16: Self-reported private and public GP consultation in the past 4 weeks amongst elderly population subdivided

by age

22.2

39.2

52.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

%

Age group

12.4

15.2

2.2

24.6

28.3

32.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

%

Age group

Public GP Private GP


31

Figure 17: Rate of use of any community care service amongst elderly population in the past 12 months subdivided by

age

Figure 18: Rate of use of community care services amongst the elderly population subdivided by age

7.4

20.7

23.9

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

%

Age goup

0.62.1 1.9 2.2

3.8

1.2

4.6 56.6

12

4.3 4.3

10.9

6.5

23.9

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

"Meals on wheels" Transport service Home care

services provided

by a

nurse/midwife

Other home care

services

Home help for

housework/elderly

people

%

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+


32

Table 1: Top causes of mortality amongst elderly females in 2008

Table 2: Top causes of mortality amongst elderly males in 2008

Cause of death ICD 10 code 60-74 75-84

85 and

over Total

% of total

deaths

Ischaemic heart disease I20-I25 117 127 75 319 23.3

Cerebrovascular disease

(including stroke) I60-I69 23 60 49 132

9.6

Cancer of the trachea, bronchus

& lung C34 60 37 10 107

7.8

Chronic lower respiratory

diseases (including chronic

bronchitis, asthma and

emphysema

J40-J47 19 30 20 69 5.0

Diabetes mellitus E10-E14 24 20 14 58 4.2

Chest infection J12-J22 11 18 31 60 4.4

Other heart diseases I26-I51 13 26 14 53 3.9

Cancer of the colon, rectum and

anus C18-C21 27 20 2 49

3.6

Cancer of the prostate C61 14 9 11 34 2.5

Dementia F01-F03 8 11 15 34 2.5

Cancer of the pancreas C25 19 11 4 34 2.5

All other causes 164 171 87 422 30.8

Total 499 540 332 1371

Cause of death

ICD 10

code 60-74 75-84

85 and

over Total

% of total

deaths

Ischaemic heart disease I20-I25 63 134 104 301 21.0

Cerebrovascular disease

(including stroke) I60-I69 22 72 79 173

12.1

Other heart diseases I26-I51 20 48 38 106 7.4

Diabetes mellitus E10-E14 25 43 18 86 6.0

Dementia F01-F03 5 28 40 73 5.1

Chest infection J12-J22 8 29 52 89 6.2

Cancer of the breast C50 29 11 13 53 3.7

Cancer of the colon, rectum and

anus C18-C21 21 18 8 47 3.3

Falls W00-W19 1 15 13 29 2.0

Cancer of the pancreas C25 11 9 9 29 2.0

All other causes 138 171 140 449 31.3

Total 343 578 514 1435


33

Table 3: Percentage of elderly population living within institutions by age groups

Age Private Institutional Total % in institutions

60 - 74 53279 1244 54523 2.3

75 - 84 16467 1837 18304 10.0

85+ 3231 1376 4607 29.9

Total 72977 4457 77434 5.8

Table 4: Morbidity rates amongst the elderly population subdivided by age

% of total ≥ 60

% of those 60 - 74 % of those 75 - 84 % of those 85+

High Blood Pressure 46.0

45.1 50.6 37.0

Arthritis 40.0

36.9 47.9 45.7

Back or Neck Pain 26.7

26.8 29.0 13.0

Diabetes 20.3

19.7 22.2 19.6

Mental Health Problems 17.9

16.1 21.3 28.9

Cataract 16.4

10.5 29.7 37.0

Cardiac Problems 13.3

11.7 15.8 23.9

Respiratory Problems 11.8

10.9 15.7 6.5

Urinary Incontinence 8.7

7.3 12.1 13.3

Stomach Ulcer 6.7

6.6 6.6 8.7

Osteoporosis 5.3

5.8 4.2 2.2

Cancer 3.8

3.6 4.6 2.2

Stroke 2.8

2.4 2.5 10.9


34

Table 5: Percentage of elderly females having extreme difficulty with sensory function subdivided by age

Females 60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

% with extreme difficulty seeing newspaper print 6.0 12.5 38.5

% with extreme difficulty seeing someone’s face from 4 metres

away 5.5 10.6 15.4

% with extreme difficulty hearing what is said in a conversation

with several people 1.6 11.0 15.4

Table 6: Percentage of elderly males having extreme difficulty with sensory functioning subdivided by age

Males 60 - 74 75 - 84 85+

% with extreme difficulty seeing newspaper print 5.5 11.5 47.4

% with extreme difficulty seeing someone’s face from 4 metres

away 3.0 9.4 30.0

% with extreme difficulty hearing what is said in a conversation

with several people 2.7 12.5 25.0

Table 7: Percentage of elderly females having difficulty or extreme difficulty with ADL's

Females % of those 60 - 74 % of those 75 - 84 % of those 85+

Feeding yourself 1.0 1.4 4.2

Getting in and out of a bed/chair 1.6 3.5 13.6

Dressing/undressing 1.1 2.8 10.0

Using toilets 0.5 2.8 5.3

Bathing/showering 0.8 2.9 20.0

Table 8: Percentage of elderly males having difficulty or extreme difficulty with ADL's

Males % of those 60 - 74 % of those 75 - 84 % of those 85+

Feeding yourself 0.3 2.1 0.0

Getting in and out of a bed/chair 0.3 1.0 5.3

Dressing/undressing 0.3 0.0 0.0

Using toilets 0.3 0.0 10.5

Bathing/showering 0.3 1.1 11.1


35

Table 9: Percentage of elderly females having difficulty or extreme difficulty with IADL's

Females % of those 60 - 74 % of those 75 - 84 % of those 85+

Preparing meals 1.3 6.3 11.8

Using the telephone 0.5 2.9 5.3

Shopping 1.9 5.7 21.4

Managing medication 0.5 3.1 33.3

Light housework 1.1 6.5 21.1

Occasional heavy housework 7.7 18.6 53.8

Taking care of finances 0.8 7.3 16.7

Table 10: Percentage of elderly males having difficulty or extreme difficulty with IADL's

Males % of those 60 - 74 % of those 75 - 84 % of those 85+

Preparing meals 1.9 8.0 18.8

Using the telephone 0.6 2.1 11.8

Shopping 2.2 9.6 35.7

Managing medication 0.6 5.5 11.8

Light housework 1.3 5.7 17.6

Occasional heavy housework 4.8 11.0 33.3

Taking care of finances 0.3 3.3 14.3

Table 11: Fruit consumption amongst the elderly population subdivided by age

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+ Total

At least once a day (%) 83.2 85.2 76.1 83.3

At least once a week (%) 12.4 10.7 23.9 12.5

Less than once a week (%) 2.5 2.0 0.0 2.3

Never (%) 1.9 2.0 0.0 1.9

Table 12: Vegetable consumption amongst the elderly population subdivided by age

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+ Total

At least once a day (%) 56.1 56.8 52.2 56.1

At least once a week (%) 36.9 33.3 39.1 36.1

Less than once a week (%) 5.4 4.9 4.3 5.3

Never (%) 1.7 4.9 4.3 2.6


36

Table 13: Smoking amongst the elderly population subdivided by age

60 - 74 75 - 84 85+ Total

Yes daily (%) 14.7 7.4 0.0 12.2

Yes occasionally (%) 1.7 0.8 2.2 1.5

Not at all (%) 83.7 91.8 97.8 86.3

Table 14: Medication consumption amongst the elderly population subdivided by age

% of total ≥ 60 % of those 60 - 74 % of those 75 - 84 % of those 85+

High blood pressure 38.7 34.9 49.6 39.1

High blood cholesterol 18.2 19.9 15.2 8.7

Diabetes 15.5 13.8 20.5 15.2

Stroke/heart attack/other

cardiovascular disease 13.6 12.1 16.4 21.7

Mental health problems 12.4 18.2 19.2 14.3

Joint pain (arthritis/arthrosis) 10.9 10.6 11.9 10.9

Sleep difficulties 8.0 6.0 12.7 15.2

Neck or back pain 7.7 7.9 8.2 2.2

Stomach problems 6.7 5.7 7.8 17.4

Osteoporosis 3.8 4.0 3.7 0.0

Cancer 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.0

Respiratory problems 0.5 0.3 1.2 0.0

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