Improving vision and health of elders in Nuwara Eliya district, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the fastest ageing countries in the world with over 12.2% of its population over the age of 60 years. Older people make an important economic and social contribution, but age-related visual impairment and non-communicable diseases often limit this. There is strong evidence that higher levels of social participation are directly and indirectly associated with better health in old age.

Currently, no evidence is available on the health impact of participation in Elders’ Clubs in low-income settings: a sustainable and affordable healthy ageing strategy.

This study includes a randomised controlled trial that will measure the impact of the Elders’ Clubs on health-related quality of life; the study will also document lessons about addressing the health and vision problems of older people that will be useful in Sri Lanka and in the region.

Objective 

The aim of our study is to improve the health, including eye health, and well-being of older people aged 60 years and above, through the establishment and support of Elders’ Clubs in Sri Lanka.

Primary objective

To assess the effectiveness of community-based Elders’ Clubs (Intervention) compared to no Elders’ Club (Control group) on the quality of life of older people in Nuwara Eliya District in Sri Lanka.

Secondary objectives

1. Assess the impact of participation in Elders’ Clubs on health, well-being, health related behaviour, and social and economic outcomes of older people in Nuwara Eliya District in Sri Lanka.
2. Describe key health and vision problems, health related behaviours, service access, social participation, care, and key demographic and socio-economic factors among older people to inform the planning and implementation of the Better Vision, Healthy Ageing Program and to assist policy makers.
3. Assess health seeking behaviour, and the barriers and enablers to access and uptake of health services.
4. Assess and explore feasibility, acceptability, costs and sustainability of introducing and supporting Elders’ Clubs.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Program’s support to improve eye health care services in Nuwara Eliya district.