Health problems of the elderly in Imphal District, Manipur: A cross sectional study

Introduction: With the increase in life expectancy, percentage of elderly people is increasing. During old age, various health problems adversely affect an individual's life. To provide appropriate care for them there is a need to attain information about their health problems. Objective: To study the health problems of the elderly population. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out over a period of 3 years from 2011 to 2014. Information was collected randomly from the elderly patients attending Medicine OPD and those admitted in Medical ward, RIMS Imphal, and also from patient attendants aged 60yrs and above. A total of 243 subjects were interviewed using predesigned questionnaire. Findings were described using proportions and percentages. Results: Elderly of 71-80 years constituted the maximum percentage of 37.9%. Female (55.5%) outnumbered the male (44.4%). Majority (82.3%) of the respondents were Hindus. Majority (61.3%) were from rural areas and most (48.9%) belonged to lower socioeconomic status. The most important symptom of ill health was decreased vision 46.1%. As for as existing morbidity is concerned, hypertension was seen in 41.9% and diabetes mellitus in 20.9%. Other morbid conditions encountered being chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, cerebrovascular accident and cataract with less prevalence. Conclusions: There is a growing need for interventions to ensure the health of the elderly.