Empowering quality of life for elderly people during crisis and epidemics in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Crisis and epidemics have been known to affect quality of life for people across all ages. Several literatures have reported increasing prevalence and higher fatalities among older people. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between elderly people and their caregivers; impact of the crisis and epidemics on the elderly psychologically and behaviourally; the impact of the crisis of epidemics on the health and economic health of the elderly; mechanisms for activating awareness of the role of governmental, civil, voluntary and charitable organizations in them; and the first, second, and third axes have a correlation.. The study also aims to provide suggestions and recommendation to enhance quality of life and care of elderly people. Most of the respondents were female which were represented by 62.8% of the respondents, while 37.2% of the respondents were male elders. 71.6% of the respondents were Saudi Arabians while the remaining 28.4% respondents were Non-Saudi Arabians. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.650, p = 0.000) exists between the impact of the epidemic and crisis on the health and economic health of the elderly (second axis) and mechanisms for activating awareness of the role of governmental, civil, voluntary and charitable organizations in them (third axis), which is statistically significant at p<0.05. The study recommends that the elderly, who is infected by the epidemic and crisis, s which is significant statistically hould be well taken care of; sick elders should be provided with moral, emotional and material support; entertainment should be provided for the infected elders. Other suggestions included financial aids/supports for the elderly; support of children/family members; health awareness among the elderly; and societal/community awareness; and also not forgetting to reintegrate rejuvenated elderly into the society.