Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the current situation of the quality of life of aging people living in the rural areas in Hainan province. Methods253 permanent residents at age of 60 and above in Zhongyuan Town were sampled at random, and were investigated face to face at home. Results96.0% of them were independently managing their activities of daily life with 77.5% lived by themselves. In a self evaluation questionnaire on health status, 32.0% perceived good, 50.8% moderate and 17.2% bad,70.75% had history of chronic illnesse, cataract, hypertension, chronic bronchitis, bone and joint diseases and anemia appeared to occupy the previous five positions.41.0% were satisfied with the current medical condition,52.4% moderate and 6.6% un satisfied. 75.1% thought medical costs too expensive. At the degree of satisfaction to life, 20.2% were high, 63.8% moderate and 16.0% low. ConclusionsDue to the huge amount of demand on health services of the rural elderly people, it was suggested that more medical care should be provided to the rural elderly people, with emphasis on the chronic diseases, and the policy of prevention first and combining prevention with treatment should be sticked to.

Key words: elderly population, quality of life