Background: Ageing is a natural and inevitable process. As per WHO, in 2012, it has been estimated that over 8% of the total population is aged above 60 years. This proportion is expected to increase to 12% by 2025 and over 20% by 2050. India is witnessing a rapid increment in aged population constituting 8.2% of the national population. The old age homes, which were uncommon, have recently spread across the country indicating the growing rift between the generations.
Objective: To assess the morbidity and sociodemographic profile of inmates in old age homes in Mangalore.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study done in three selected old age homes in Mangalore from June 2015 to August 2015. Universal sampling was done to obtain a sample size of 87. Totally, 80 inmates were enrolled. Data were obtained by interviewer method, medical records, and clinical examination, by using a pretested questionnaire after obtaining an informed consent.
Results: Among the 80 inmates, 25% were male and 75% were female, out of which 63% were in the age group of 6070 years. Among the elders, 69% were widow/widower, 55% did not have any source of income, 29% were illiterate and 46% had completed primary education, 75% had musculoskeletal disorders, 69 % had visual defects, 64% were hypertensive, 30% had dental problems, and 28% were diabetic.
Conclusion: There is an essential need for specialized geriatric clinics. Proper and regular health checkups should be conducted in old age homes with referral services. There is a need for insurance coverage for all the elders to meet their medical expenses.
Key words: Elders, old age homes, morbidity profile
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