How are the Seniors Ageing in Ekiti: Insights from the Burden and Pattern of the Geriatric Giants as Presented in a Geriatric Clinic.

Abstract

Background: The global population is ageing but there is a wide disparity in longevity Ageing, among different populations. Research interest needs to be directed at the process of geriatric giant, ageing to identify factors that may influence longevity among a particular population.

Burden, Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records Pattern of older adults aged 65 years and above at a geriatric clinic over 5 years (2018 – 2022). Yearly records of diagnosis of the five primarily recognized geriatric giants were extracted and analyzed.

Results: There was an increased yearly burden of the geriatric giants over the study period with female preponderance and very minute contribution by the centenarians. Instability/falls and cognitive impairment were the most prominent. The burden of iatrogenesis declined over the study period.

Discussion/conclusion: Geriatric giants imposed a burden on health services utilization among older adults in the study population. The increasing burden, if it outpaces the increase in longevity may align with the ‘failure of success’ paradigm. The prominence of instability/falls offers a ray of hope as this can be prevented. Researchers in other LMICs with demographic characteristics similar to Nigeria are encouraged to research this topic, especially longitudinal studies.