Age-Group Differences in Blood Pressure, Hemoglobin Levels, Cognitive Function, and Sleep Quality among Older Adults in Makassar, Indonesia

Yessy Kurniati; Nurhaedar Jafar; Aminuddin Syam; Devintha Virani

Yessy Kurniati Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin, South Sulawesi, Postal Code 92113, Indonesia
Nurhaedar Jafar Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Postal Code 90245, Indonesia
Aminuddin Syam Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Postal Code 90245, Indonesia
Devintha Virani Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry University, West Midlands, Postal Code CV1 5QP, United Kingdom

Keywords: Anemia, Cognitive function, Hypertension, Population aging, Sleep quality

Abstract

Background: Population aging in Indonesia presents increasing challenges due to the growing burden of chronic conditions among older adults. This study aimed to assess differences in blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, cognitive function, and sleep quality among older adults in Makassar, Indonesia, according to WHO age classifications (young-old, old, and oldest-old).

Method : A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2023 among 259 older adults, categorized into young-old, old, and oldest-old groups according to WHO criteria. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling through community health centers and community-based health services. Data were collected on blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses included ANOVA and chi-square tests, with a statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results : Significant differences were found in hemoglobin levels (p = 0.034) and cognitive function (p = 0.001) across age groups, with cognitive impairment affecting more than 60% of participants in the oldest-old group. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in blood pressure (p = 0.192) or sleep quality (p = 0.332). Nevertheless, hypertension and poor sleep quality were prevalent across all age groups.

Conclusion : Older age was characterized by lower hemoglobin levels and poorer cognitive function, particularly among the olders-old group. Although hypertension and poor sleep quality were prevalent across all age groups, their lack of significant differences suggests that these conditions represent a substantial health burden among older adults generally. Integrated geriatric care, including community-based screening and management of multiple health conditions, may be warranted to address the complex health needs of older adults.