IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-5-10897 Original Research Paper The Health Problems of the Elderly Patients in a Rural Village of Jammu & Kashmir Choudhary Dr. May 2017 6 5 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Introduction: Population ageing is the most significant emerging demographic phenomenon in the world today. In India, the elderly constitute 8% of the population at present. Expectation of life at birth for males and females has increased more in recent years. Projection beyond 2016 made by United Nations has indicated that 21% of the Indian population will be 60 + by 2050. Rising numbers of older people will put new and increasing demands on the health care system. This study was done with the aim to understand various health problems of elderly patients in a rural village of Jammu & Kashmir. Material & methods: This was a cross sectional, prospective study carried for a period of about 4 months. A total of 428 patients above the age of 60 were included in the study. Results: The percent of patients in the age group of 60–75 was 92.52%. The female patients were more than male patients at 53.04% compared to 46.96%. Conclusion: This study describes the morbidity in elderly patients of a rural village in Jammu & Kashmir. The data collected will be helpful in formulation of policies aimed at improving the health care needs of this group of population.