[Study on health status of 3,333 old people in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province].

In order to study the health status of 3,333 old people (over 60) in Chengdu city, a survey was carried out from May 1996 to Nov. 1996. Results revealed that 79.4% of old people had a history of chronic diseases. The first ten common chronic diseases were stated as follows: rheumatic arthritis, hypertension, benign prostatic hypertrophy, chronic bronchitis, cataract, chronic gastritis, osteoarthrosis, asthma and diabetes mellitus. There were significant differences of body weight index, vision and auditus disorder among old people according to their age (P < 0.01). As ageing grows, old people's physical condition and daily-life-capacity decline. In order to improve the quality of life among the aged, following aspects as popularizing health education on self care, strengthening programs on prevention and care of chronic diseases, expanding the medical and nursing services in community and easier access to hospitalization etc should be promoted.