Geriatric health in Varanasi City, India: A multivariate analysis

The aim of this study is to examine and understand the health and illness status of the geriatric population in Varanasi city from geographical perspective. The study will explore the many facets of social, economic and psychological scenarios in relation to the elderly respondents in the study area. India being a culture rich country has been for years giving tremendous respect and reverence to their aged family members. But with the penetration of western thoughts and lifestyle the myth that the aged have a protected and secure life in India have been broken, bringing out stories and facts about abandonment and neglect of the aged. The main focus of the study is on assessing the health and illness of the elderly/geriatric living in family settings in relation to their different social settings like religion, class and caste and also their level of activity or disengagement. The purpose of this paper is to outline those issues that impact on the health and well being of older people from different health perspective. The paper provides an overview of the current health status of all older people (60 years and over) in Varanasi city. It encourages people to think about those issues that will ensure that older people both in the present and the future can experience and enjoy healthier lives.