A STUDY OF THE UNMET NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF ALMATY

Background: The problem of population ageing is becoming more and more urgent all over the world, including Kazakhstan. As the number of older people increases, the need for health and social support increases. Older people face a number of physical, psychological and social problems, which requires a comprehensive assessment of their needs in order to develop appropriate intervention strategies. Purpose of study: to examine the unmet needs of older people living in the Social Services Centre. Materials and methods of study: The study included 100 people aged 65 and older living in the Social Services Center in Almaty. A CANE-based questionnaire was developed for the study, translated into Russian and Kazakh with input from physicians. The final versions were adapted to local conditions, keeping the division into 4 areas: basic, physical, psychological and social needs. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric methods. Results: The results of the study showed that the mean age of the respondents was 74 years, of which 54% were female and 46% were male. With age, dissatisfaction in various areas of needs increases significantly among the elderly. In the group of 75 years and above, compared to the group of 65-74 years, there was an increase in unmet needs for useful activities (contribution to society) from 40.7% to 63%, p=0.035, improving physical health from 40.7% to 65.2%, p=0.008, increasing physical activity from 35.2% to 63%, p=0.020, and safety from accidental injuries from 42.6% to 69.6%, p=0.005 and communication (35.2% to 58.7%, p=0.025). Conclusions: Challenges related to loss of sense of self worth, physical health, physical activity, safety from accidental injury and social isolation increase with age.