Health problems and life style practices among geriatric population

Abstract

Introduction: Human longevity and the geriatric population have increased significantly as a result of medical and health advancements. Using a healthy lifestyle, one may fend against many ailments that affect the elderly. Designing specific intervention programs for the elderly requires determining their existing state to better their lives and health. This study was conducted to determine the health problems and life style practices among geriatric populationat selected area of Derabassi, District  Mohali,Punjab. Material and Methods: A descriptive – analytical study conducted among 100 elderly people who were 55 years of age or older, selected by convenience sampling technique. Data was collected through at two‑part questionnaire including sociodemographic and health‑Profile and a self-structured rating scale on  lifestyle practices. Result: Study findings revealed that maximum 74 (74%) subjects had no any health issue while 26 (26%) subjects had health issues in past and in present 56 (56%) subjects had no any health issue and 44 (44%) had health issues.

For physical health 34(34%) reported good, 58 (58%) average, 2(2%) very good,6(6%) poor and.

For psychological health 46(46%) reported good, 44(44%) average, 6(6%) very good, 4(4%) poor.Out of 100 subjects 42(42%) reported good, 38(38%) average, 20(20%) very good for their social health status.For communication 50(50%) reported good, 32(32%) average, 14(14%) very good, and equal number 4(4%) of subjects reported poor and very poor for their communication

Among 100subjects, 6 (6%) subjects had desirable healthy life style practice, 48(48%) subjects had moderate level and46 (46%) had undesirable life style practice.Mean score of healthy life style practice was 84 with + 30.5 SD, which indicates that geriatric population had moderate level of healthy life style practice. There was statistical significant association was found between healthy life style practice among geriatric population and their educational status and dietary habits. Discussion: Status of healthy life style practice among geriatric population are moderate.However, more studies are needed for further information to confirm study results.Study results posed the necessity of tailoring specific interventional programs to achieve desirable healthy lifestyle