Editorial

Editor: Abdulrazak Abyad

This is the last issue this year. Although the quality of papers has improved, there is not much research and work in the field in the region. We would like to encourage young researchers to submit their papers to the journal. At the end of the year we would like to thank the editorial board, the production team , and our readers for their support and help.

A Randomized controlled trial from Turkey looked at the Effect of Two Different Strength Training Programs on Functional Performance and Pain of Elderly Women with Knee Osteoarthritis. Static balance (eyes open) score, WOMAC function, pain and stiffness scores, chair stand performance, and stairs descent scores significantly improved in OKCG and CKCG when compared with the CG (p<0.05). The paper clearly demonstrated that strength training with an elastic band for twelve weeks improves functional performance, decreases pain and increases quality of life in the women with knee osteoarthritis.

A population based study from Malaysia looked at falls and physical performance among frail Sexagenarians and Septuagenarians. The aim of the authors was to
determine the relationship between physical performance, the number of falls and the socio demographic, physical, clinical and functional characteristics of older adult fallers. The authors concluded that among older adults fallers, poor physical performance is associated with more advanced age, more illnesses and less functional independence. Moreover, recurrent falls are associated with more illnesses, less muscle strength and less bowel management tasks.

A paper from Pakistan looked at the Role of the Family Physician in Palliative Care. The authors stressed that with the increasing burden of cancer patients, family physicians in developed as well as developing countries are expected to provide the best possible care to patients with cancer pain. A good understanding of the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological options makes the task of caring for such patients very rewarding and satisfying. The authors concluded that family physicians are the medical professionals best equipped to care for most terminally ill patients, as their training imparts the skills and knowledge needed to treat common problems associated with every system of the human body.

A paper from Bangladesh looked at the elderly from a Socio-economic Perspective . The authors stressed that because in the elderly stage, physical strength deteriorates, mental stability diminishes, money power becomes bleak and eyesight suffers a setback, old age is not free from problems. Many studies have been conducted so far on the elderly and their welfare, but none of those studies have addressed the destitute elderly issue clearly.

A paper from Iran looked at Higher Longevity and Post Retirement Productive Engagements of University Retired Faculty Members. The authors studied 120 retired faculty members above age 60. The findings of the study showed that engagements of retired faculty members in economic productive activities were directly associated with an increase in life expectancy but other factors were also contributing in their re-employment.

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