The coloured elderly in Cape Town--a psychosocial, psychiatric and medical community survey. Part III. A survey of physical disorders and disabilities.

A representative sample of elderly Coloured persons (over the age of 65 years) in the community underwent a medical and psychosocial assessment of prevalent physical disorders and resultant disability. This revealed that hypertension, visual impairment, osteo-arthritis and chronic lung disease were the most prevalent and disabling conditions, while hearing impairment and major neurological disorders played a lesser role. Most of the individuals claimed that they had little or no disability, while 10 felt they were only moderately disabled and 21 (14,9%) that they were severely disabled. The number of disorders ranged from 2,08 in those claiming no disability to 3,28 in those who were severely disabled. Profiles of the results of biochemical investigations resembled those of other aged populations, serum cholesterol, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels being raised. The pattern of medical care was also examined, including medication and the use of local facilities.