Problems of Elderly Age Group in the Rural Area of Haryana (India): A Community based Study

Population ageing is a global phenomenon that is both inevitable and predictable. They are an important social and economic resource and a longer life expectancy means a greater opportunity to contribute to society. Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will double from about 11% to 22%. Prianamayagam A observed that prevalence of morbidity among elderly males and females was 77.6% and 90.9% respectively

To assess physical, economical and social problems among elderly (60+ years) in a rural block of Haryana. The study was carried out in the rural area of block Beri, district Jhajjar, Haryana, which is a field practice area attached to Department of Community Medicine, Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. The study was community based epidemiological study with cross-sectional design and duration of study was August 2014 to July 2015. The study universe comprised of 400 Elderly population (60 years+) residing in the study area.

A total of 400 subjects were included in the study and mean age of study participants was 69.33 ± 6.51 years. Most common morbidity among the study participants was diminished vision (67%) which was more prevalent in females (79.7%) as compared to males (48.8%). Dental problem was found in about half of the subjects (52%) and other prevalent problems among elderly were general body weakness, indigestion and respiratory problems.

In India, a considerable portion of elderly population is affected by physical morbidities, economic and psychosocial problems. Special screening programme should be conducted to recognize elderly psychosocial, economic and physical problems at anganwadi, subcentre, PHC and CHC level.