Common Chronic Illnesses of the Elderly: An Analysis of a Retired Doctor's Perspectives

This study examined the types of illnesses and health issues of the residents living in the countryside of Alian District, Kaohsiung City. The research methods of the study included structured interviews and coding. The interviewee was a retired doctor who had served at a clinic in the countryside of Alian District. He majored in gastroenterology and worked at the clinic for more than 30 years. Through the interview, the doctor indicated that most patients of his clinic were above the age of 50. Most of the patients above 65 years old suffered from arthrosis and calcification. Other chronic illnesses of his patients above 50 years old included cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes. In addition, there are more farmers in the countryside, and most of his patients with liver disease were farmers who had been using pesticide. A few of his patients were infected with rare diseases such as AIDS and pulmonary tuberculosis. In terms of the precautions and countermeasures against the health problems in the countryside, the doctor suggested that senior citizens ingest calcium, take Viartril-S, and have a free physical checkup at the local public health center.