Prevalence of Health Related Disability among Community Dwelling Urban Elderly from Middle Socio-Economic Strata in Serampore

Abstract

The present study has been conducted in Serampore, West Bengal. The health of geriatric population is a present as well as future concern. This poses mounting pressures on various socio-economic fronts of the state, including pension outlays, health care expenditures, saving levels etc. This makes it necessary to look into the various aspects of their problems: Health, social rejection, economic, psychological and other allied aspects. In the traditional joint families, infirmities were taken care of by the individuals, immediate circle of relations and family members. Older people enjoyed a sense of honour and authority and had the responsibility in decision-making. However, in recent times, as a result of changing circumstances due to demographic transition, rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization, disintegration of joint family structures into unitary ones, the older people become more vulnerable to physical disabilities as a result of different morbidities and poor health seeking behaviour. This study will prove to be useful for the planners and policy makers in Government and private organizations and will help in enhancing the understanding of the problems of elderly people in the state.