PHYSICAL HEALTH AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT: A STUDY OF ELDERLY IN URBAN VARANASI, INDIA

Ageing is generally defined as a process of deterioration in the functional capacity of an individual that results from structural changes, with advancement of age (Balan and Devi, 2010).The process of ageing cannot be stopped, prevented or avoided, therefore it is inevitable. Improvement in medical science has provided us the opportunity to live longer than before. Present study is based on a sample of 104 elderly aged 60 years and above from urban areas of Varanasi district under a sample survey entitled “Ageing and Health: A Study of Socio-psychological Correlates of Health in Old Age”. Result of present study shows that one of the most significant and primary source of social support at the stage of old age is spouse. Self rated health status is significantly associated with perceived social support. Perceived social support is significantly associated with the level of satisfaction by the love and care elderly get. Loneliness increases in old age because of age related losses such as death of spouse, death of close friends and relatives, retirement or loss of job, physical health deterioration and moreover it is difficult to start new relationship and new social network at this age. If old people feel that there are people who support them, then their health will be better. Thus we should take proper care for our elderly.