Abstract

Background: Old age is a big challenge to human life with respect to health needs as well as psychosocial needs. This study has explored the very important aspects of old age. Very few studies have been conducted in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts on the same aspects. The present study was an attempt to fill the gap in knowledge about the existing health-related and psychosocial problems faced by elderly population.

Objectives: To study the health profile, socio-demographic factors, and psychosocial aspects of the elderly in old-age homes.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on the public health aspects and psychosocial problems of old-age persons (60 years and above) was carried out in old-age homes in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts, Gujarat, India.

Results: A total of 500 elderly people, living in nine old-age homes in Ahmedabad district, were interviewed and examined. In the study population, 42.20% were male and 57.80% were female. Majority of the elderly were residing in old-age home for 3–10 years (59.60%). Moreover, the most frequent reason of shifting to old-age home among them was family conflicts (45.60%). Majority of the elderly were having body mass index in normal and overweight ranges. And, more number of females had shown overweight pattern as compared to males. This study revealed the five common presenting symptoms of the elderly to be joint pain (47.40%), impaired vision (39.20%), insomnia (28.00%), weakness (23.20%), and impaired memory (23.20%). Health problems of elderly population are of much concern as per this study. The major health problems found in the elderly were cancer, anemia, diabetes, cataract, hypertension, coronary heart disease, asthma, and osteoarthritis.

Conclusion: Majority of the elderly people felt neglected by their family members. Two-thirds of old-age homes were having facility for regular health checkup. Majority of the elderly were having hypertension and joint pain as the most common presenting complaints among all.

Key words: Elderly; Old-age Homes; Health Problems; Psychosocial Problems