Health Problems of the Aged People in Rural Area of Tamilnadu

Background : Aging process is not a disease but aged people are more vulnerable to long term diseases of insidious onset such ascardiovascular illness, CVA, cancers, diabetes,musculoskeletal and mental illnesses. With the increase in the population of the aged people (7.7%), the need for assessing their problems are of prime concern in framing various schemes to address their needs. The present study was planned to assess the various health problems of the aged people in Alangulam village of Tirunelveli District. Methodology : A Community based cross-sectional study was planned at Alangulam subcentre of Tirunelveli District and all people aged above 60 years of Alangulam subcentre  who were willing to participate were included in the study.300 people were interviewed with the pretested questionnaire and their socio demographic details, health problems and attitude towards aging were assessed after obtaining informed consent. Results : Data was  analysedusing SPSS soft ware.Myalgia(28%)was the most common problem among the aged followed by Hypertension(26%), Joint pain(20%),  Cataract(15%), Diabetes mellitus(8%), Chest pain(2%)andTuberculosis(1%).41% of the aged felt depressed due to loss of financial support and dependence, illness, lack of support from other family members, loss of spouse, unmarried daughters, alcoholic son/son in law.Almost over 67% of the study people felt that aging has affected their daily activities.