Multimorbidity and Health-Related Quality of Life among Older Adults

Exploration of service centres for older persons in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

“…This view is similar to the reports of Statistics South Africa (2020) and observations of Mayosi and Benatar (2014), relating to the country's trends in increased life expectancy. It is important to note, however, that the profile of older persons in this study did not fit the general profile described by Ayodede et al (2017), who reported a high prevalence of multi-morbidity associated with risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and low levels of schooling. Unfortunately, despite the reported positive perception of wellness, the managers of the centres reported a lack of knowledge on how to care for older persons.…”

“…A poor understanding of the needs of older persons would compromise the care models and support services provided to meet their needs (Abdi et al 2019;Ayodede et al 2017;He et al 2012;Phaswana-Mafuya et al 2013;Tuntland et al 2015). Based on the reported needs of older persons who participated in our study, there is an opportunity to incorporate or strengthen physiotherapy services in the centres, using the principles of health promotion interventions.…”

“…However, the projected global increases, coupled with a high disease burden, raise public health challenges. Multi-morbidities from long-term illnesses are prevalent amongst older persons and associated risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, living in rural areas, low levels of schooling, polypharmacy and a negative self-perception of health (Ayodede et al 2017). In addition to the routine ageing processes, the consequences of multimorbidities include a more significant risk of death and functional decline, negatively impacting life expectancy (Gyasi & Phillips 2018;Hosseinpoor et al 2012;Ofori-Asenso et al 2019).…”