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Global Health Econ Sustain Improving health of older adults in rural Uganda

satisfaction with the Kisoro Elders Project and significant 3.3. Results of the GHA
improvements in quality of life. However, the methodology A total of 3,615 older adults were interviewed, with
was flawed, and the results were not published. complete datasets reported for 3,551 individuals. Almost
Depression groups were surprisingly successful based all older adults self-reported their information; however,
on qualitative reporting. Older adults almost uniformly for those unable to do so, data were gathered from a family
reported great improvement in effect, with some likening member. Some older adults, especially women, did not
their improvement to a miracle, and requested that the know their exact age. In such cases, best guesses were
groups be continued. Currently, a continuation of the made by comparing life events with historical and family
pilot groups takes place on a monthly basis, and training is milestones. Reported ages ranged from 60 to over 105. See
occurring to allow the formation of new groups in multiple Table 2 for age distribution.
villages. A study is ongoing to document quantitative and
qualitative results. 3.3.1. ADL function

The intervention of solar lights has been the most Thirteen percent of individuals over the age of 75 are
universally acclaimed intervention of the project. dependent on at least 2 ADL, but overall, the surviving
Transforming life’s possibilities for many, they reduce elders are remarkably resilient. Only 4% of those 60 – 74
isolation as family members are drawn into the home at are dependent on>1 ADL, and even the oldest groups
night to converse or study, and improve safety and health reported significant independence (Table 3). Among those
by displacing the dangerous alternative, kerosene candles, older than 90, 96% reported independence in eating, 92%
which cause both house fires and respiratory illness. in dressing, 83% in bathing, 89% in toileting, and 75% in
transferring. However, 43% had trouble with bladder or
bowel control.
Table 2. Age distribution of Kisoro elders surveyed in
geriatric health assessment From the opposite perspective, 21% of all respondents
are dependent on 1 or more ADL, and 7% in at least 2, with
Age range n (%) proportions increasing with age (Table 4). Among elders
60 – 64 1,138 (32) who live alone, 35% are dependent on 1 ADL and 7% in 2
65 – 69 689 (19) or more.
70 – 74 568 (16) It is important to consider that the numbers in each
75 – 79 370 (10) age category represent the survivors—perhaps the hardiest
80 – 84 406 (11) members of their respective birth cohorts—those who
85 – 89 182 (5) have successfully endured the myriad health challenges of
90 – 94 121 (3) rural Africa with little access to traditional health care.
95 – 99 44 (1) 3.3.2. Contributive function
≥100 33 (1) A great majority of older adults contribute to their families
Total 3,551 and communities in diverse and important ways. Eighty-

Table 3. Percentage of elders independent in each of six activities of daily living categorized by age, gender, and living alone
Age/sex/demographic n Eating Dressing Bathing Toilet Transfer Bladder/bowel control
60 – 64 1,138 98 98 97 98 95 88
65 – 69 689 99 99 98 99 97 87
70 – 74 568 99 99 98 99 95 83
75 – 79 370 98 96 94 96 91 76
80 – 84 406 99 98 93 96 85 75
85 – 89 182 97 95 90 93 87 75
≥90 198 96 92 83 89 75 57
Female 2,373 98 97 95 96 91 80
Male 1,178 99 99 97 98 95 86
Solitary elder 443 99 98 96 97 91 77
Total/average 3,551 98 98 96 97 92 82

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 6 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.3000