Abstract:
A response rate of 92.1 percent led to the participation or 515 elders. Nearly hall' the
participants were between age 60-64 years and the majority was females. One third of the
study population was widows, where widows were significantly higher than widowers.
More than hall the sample had educational level above grade live. Majority (95 percent )
were able to carry out activities or daily living but the percentage of impairment for
instrumental activities of daily living were higher (20 percent ). Establishment of a system
to identify mental illnesses 01' the elderly 1'01' treatment and treatment and referral at
curative care institutions, encouragement of people to adopt practices like living with the
spouse, living in a house owned by self or spouse, having a separate room to live and
having regular visits by friends and relatives. provision of legal advice with regard to
transfer of property to the children. promotion of activities like rearing pets, . doing
gardening, watching television and engaging in voluntary social and aesthetic activities
through community based elders committees and community centers of local government
bodies, encouragement of younger generation to have savings during their economical)
active life years and invest on 'insurance policies and organizing behavior change
programmes on active ageing which includes positive thinking and being satisfied with is
available are suggested to face this situation
