Our cross-sectional study had several strengths which include
an adequately large sample size with a high response rate of 66%
and an inclusion of a representative sample of elderly that includes
even the dialect-speaking locals. Self-reported data on all
important medical conditions including hypertension were
collected from the respective caregiver, if the elderly participant
was deemed unable to provide an accurate account by trained
interviewers. Standard protocols were administered for the
measurements of height, weight, and BP, with instruments of
measurement maintained and calibrated similarly to reduce
measurement errors.