Healthcare and well-being among elderly members of the indigenous Khasi community: An exploratory study

The Khasi indigenous community has a unique, traditional approach to healthcare for the elderly. This study was planned to investigate the health and wellbeing of the elderly in the Khasi community. A sample of 20 elderly participants, comprising 15 individuals aged 67 to 91 years and five elderly traditional healers aged 61 to 70 years, was selected using a purposive sampling method from urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of the Khasi Hills. This diverse selection ensured a broad understanding of the Khasi community’s healthcare practices. The study employed a qualitative research approach with an unstructured, exploratory design, allowing for a comprehensive examination of healthcare practices and the identification of challenges faced by the elderly related to healthcare and well-being within the Khasi community. As per the interviews with traditional healers, the common health issues faced by the elderly include both high and low blood pressure, asthma and bronchitis, diabetes, burning sensations, bowel complaints, cancer, mental depression, and other ailments. To treat these health issues, the indigenous tribe practices traditional healing as a primary form of healthcare and utilises home remedies for various illnesses. The healers utilise their medicinal plants available in the region, such as Piper longum, Curcuma longa (Lakadong turmeric, well-known for its high quality), Solanum nigrum, Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Artemisia nilagirica, Clerodendrum serratum, and others. As far as the well-being of elderly people is concerned, older people within the Khasi community are treated with profound respect and high regard as preservers and teachers of culture and tradition, custodians of wisdom and knowledge, and a support system, as well as spiritual and religious healers.