A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Emotional Problems and Coping Strategies among Senior Citizens of Rural Village

Senior citizens fear losing their independence more then they fear death.75 percent of old age population experiences at least some stress, half of those experience moderate or high levels of stress during their lifetime. Senior citizens face three serious problems poverty, disease and loneliness. This study focused on emotional problems and coping strategies among senior citizens in selected village of Gurgaon, Haryana. Data was collected using structured interview schedule. Findings revealed (54.54 %) were females, (38.31 %) were in the age group of 60-65 years, (85.71 %) were married, (86.36 %) were living in joint family, (55.19 %) were having 5-7 members in a family, (53.24 %) were having no formal education, (61.03 %) were pensioner, (98.70 %) had their own house and (84.41 %) were vegetarian. Major emotional problems reported were keeping feelings to oneself (75.32 %), no family support (66.88 %), isolated in emotional stress situation (62.33 %) and peer group understands more than family (59.74 %). Major coping strategies reported were social support group (99.35 %), spending time with family and friends (98.70 %), being positive (96.75 %) and self-blaming (91.55 %).