Health Status of the Elderly Karbis: A Case Study in Morigaon District, Assam

Abstract

Abstract Health among elderly is an important dimension of quality of life. Health is the outcome of interaction of genetic and environmental factors. In elderly, it is the result of a complex interaction of the physical, social, and psychological aspects of ageing. Health status in this paper has been looked at from the point of view of incidence of diseases, functional ability, nutritional status, and elderly’s self-assessment of health condition. Data for the study have been collected from 20 villages in Morigaon district of Assam, predominantly inhabited by the Karbi community. Sixty years and above have been taken as the inclusive criterion. The sample consists of 508 elderly male and female Karbis. It is cross-sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data have been collected with a structured schedule and nutritional status assessed from body mass index. Majority of the elderly did not reportedly suffer from any disease. A look into the treatment and management of disease conditions indicates that the elderly persons are mostly not aware of any disease prevalence due to their ignorance. The elderly remain functionally active and this is mainly their criteria of defining health. Of the elderly, 30 percent show low body mass index indicating protein deficiency malnutrition. Self-assessment of health condition as good by most elderly indicates a better psychological health. Functional ability, nutritional status, and self-assessment show an association with age.