Demographic profile and health status of elderly at Dharwad, Karnataka

The increasing physical debilities, loss of economic independence and psychological stress alter the productive life of elderly. The present investigations were undertaken in Dharwad, Karnataka with the objective of studying demogrophic profile and the health related problems of 200 rural and urban aged 60 years and above. Among the study population more than 60 per cent of the aged in rural areas including females were illiterates with lack of economic independence and belonged to middle income group in joint families. Minor ailment of impairment of vision, walking, dental, digestion and hearing were more prevalent among rural aged more so among females. Major ailments noted included osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease etc. Thus planning for health care expenditure needs to be started in order to avoid major crisis.