Investigating the Frequency Distribution of Dying Elderly People in Sabzevar in Terms of Associated Risk Factors in Years 2011 to 2013

Background Today, the majority of developing countries have experienced social, economic, health and the demographic transition (known as aging) problems. Over time, the number of elderly in whole population will increase. Currently, 4%-5% of the whole population are 60 years and older. This study aimed to identify the causes of mortality among the older people over 60 years.
Methods & Materials This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study that its study samples included all 60 years and older people who have died in Sabzevar in the years 2011-2013. The study data were collected by checklist.
Results A total of 2278 samples were studied. Their mean(SD) age was 71.54(8.87) years and the maximum and minimum ages were 107 and 60 years, respectively. In our study, the average mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases was 56.24%, deaths due to respiratory diseases 10.37% and deaths due to cancer was recorded as 7.88%, which were the first three leading causes of death in the elderly patients.
Conclusion Because the mortality due to cardiovascular disease in the elderly is the first cause and the respiratory infections ranked as the second cause, paying attention to the importance of prevention and observation of risk factors in the families are of critical importance. Also, conducting more comprehensive and adequate planning for early diagnosis of these diseases and particular attention to the patients, especially the elderly persons, are required.