The functional status of elderly Chinese 75 years and older.

The functional status of a random sample of 180 elderly Chinese 75 years and older, living in the community in Singapore was assessed. The questionnaires used were the Older Americans Resources and Services (OARS) and the Geriatric Mental State (GMS) schedules. The subjects were divided into two age groups: (i) 75-79 and (ii) 80 years and above. On the social resources rating scale, 29.2% of the younger age group and and 22.4% of the older group had unsatisfactory social relationship or uncertain availability of help if needed. About 8.9% of the younger group and 23.9% of the older group needed assistance everyday in some activities of daily living. Moderate and severe impairment of mental health was noted in 22.1% and 26.9% of the two groups respectively. Only 1.7% of the sample had moderate and severe impairment in both social resources and activities of daily living. The significance of this study on needs and services for elderly people in the future, is discussed.