Community demographics, socio-economic and health status among older Australian residents of Japanese origin living in New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract

This study aimed to describe demographic and socio-economic characteristics and to assess baseline health status and care needs among Japanese residents aged 60years and over living in New South Wales, Australia. A postal questionnaire was used to survey older community-dwelling Japanese residents recruited from a number of different sources. Eighty-two residents responded to the questionnaire (mean age: 70.5years, range 60-85), and 56 (68.3%) were female. The respondents appeared to be socio-economically comfortable. While 63.4% of respondents noticed reduced strength and balance, and 45% had at least one chronic medical condition, the majority did not require help with personal care or domestic chores. However, there were respondents who were considered at risk of subsequent development of major mobility limitations. Overall, the respondents in this study demonstrated good function. There may be a role for interventional programs aimed at maintaining functional independence.