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. 2023 Nov 19;15(11):e49054.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.49054. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Awareness of Healthy Lifestyle Among Elderly Population During Aging in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Danah S Alali  1 , Abdulelah A Alshebly  1 , Ajlan Alajlani  1 , Arwa H Al Jumaiei  1 , Zahra M Alghadeer  1 , Sayed Ibrahim Ali  2
Affiliations

Awareness of Healthy Lifestyle Among Elderly Population During Aging in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Danah S Alali et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Introduction: The research explores healthy aging among elderly individuals globally and in Saudi Arabia. Factors like health services, lifestyle, and chronic diseases affecting seniors are examined. However, there is a gap in culturally relevant research, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries. This study aims to understand elderly individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding healthy lifestyles for effective functional preservation in aging.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, specifically Al-Ahsa, from February to May 2023. The Raosoft calculator was employed to determine a sample size of at least 384 participants. The data was analyzed using SPSS.

Results: Regarding the associations between knowledge levels and demographics, education significantly impacts knowledge (p=0.003). Retired respondents exhibit higher knowledge (50.4%) compared to those with jobs (10.4%) (p=0.002). Smoking has a significant impact on knowledge (p=0.012). Regarding the opinions on elderly care, respondents agree on the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables (52.2%), increased protein intake (64.3%), less fat (83.5%), and regular exercise (44.3%). Supplements' necessity is disagreed upon (95.7%). Living with family is favored (67.8%), and elderly self-management is recognized (60.9%). Significant differences are seen in fruit and vegetable consumption (p=0.001), less fat usage (p=0.000), exercise habits (p=0.000), smoking (p=0.000), and using just salt in cooking (p=0.000).

Conclusion: Study findings underscore the importance of education in influencing healthy behaviors and informed choices, with education levels significantly impacting knowledge levels. Respondents' preferences for balanced diets, exercise, and self-management reflect a positive trend toward embracing healthy aging principles. Notably, the study identifies disparities between knowledge groups in various lifestyle factors, highlighting the potential of education to drive positive changes in behaviors.

Keywords: alahsa; elderly awareness; geriatrics; healthy lifestyle; saudi arabia.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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