A Study to assess the health profile of geriatric age group people in old age home of Rewa, central India

Dr.Anjana Niranjan; Dr.Pahram Adhikari; Dr.Devendra Niranjan

Volume : V, Issue : VII, July - 2016

A Study to assess the health profile of geriatric age group people in old age home of Rewa, central India

Dr. Anjana Niranjan, Dr. Pahram Adhikari, Dr. Devendra Niranjan

Abstract :

Background: Aging is a normal process. The modernization plays a vital role in aging process of an individual. The aged feel a sense of social isolation because of disjunction from various bonds like work relationships, and diminish of relatives and friends, mobility of children to far off places for jobs. The situation of the elderly still worsens when there is presence of chronic diseases, physical incapacity and financial stringency. Objective: To know the sociodemographic profile, health profile and age related health problems of the old age people in old age home. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in old age homes situated in Rewa city of central India, from 1st January to 31st January 2016, All old persons were included in the study after taken their informed consent. Result: Out of total 180 study participants, 57.77% were males and 42.22% were females. 93.77% reported one or more health related complaints. Most common presenting symptoms were: joint pain (93.33%), loss of teeth (82.77%), impaired vision (85.55%), weakness (70%), impaired memory in (69.44%) , insomnia (47.22%), constipation in (41.11%) and frequency to fall in (15%). The main health related problems were osteoarthritis (91.66%), visual problem (86.66%), hypertension (70.55%), and diabetes mellitus (83.88%). Conclusion: The study highlighted a high prevalence of morbidity and health related problems in old age groups. We need to strengthen geriatric health care services, social support by people, and proper implementation of geriatric related legislation by government and further research like qualitative research to explore the problems of the elderly