Problems and ergo-solutions of elderly living Independently
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Date
2018
Authors
Hooda, Rupal
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
CCSHAU
Abstract
Due to longer life expectancy, population over sixty years old is growing in majority of the
nations including India. Globalization and urbanization have led to family changes where elderly are
left unbothered to live individually. Present study was conducted in three phases on 100 elderly, above
65 years of age, living independently in Hisar city. In Phase-I, activity profile and problems of elderly
were recorded using an interview schedule. In Phase-II, on the basis of result of phase-I, a media
package entitled “Ergo-guide for elderly living independently” pertaining to ergo-solutions was
prepared. Phase-III consisted of introduction of the media package and studying the needs and
preferences of ergo-solutions by the elderly. Most of respondents belonged to age group of 70-80 yrs
(51.0%) followed by 60-70 years (32.0%) and 80 years & above (17.0%). Nearly two-fifth (38.0%) of
elderly were senior secondary pass followed by graduate and post graduate (32.0%)Nearly three-fourth
(74.0%) of them were living with their spouse while 38.0 percent were living alone. Most of the elderly
were living alone because their children were living at faraway places (56.0%) and secondly, mainly by
their own choice (44.0%). Most of them (93.0%) were living in owned house. Around 2/3rd of the
elderly were in the high category of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) followed by
medium category (40.0%). Majority of male as well as female respondents were having health
problems like eye problems (46.0, 44.0%) ortho diseases (47.0, 42.0%) and heart problem (38.0,
29.0%), respectively. Choking while eating or drinking (45.0%), cuts from knife (43.0) and slipped in
bathrooms (30.0%) were most commonly seen accidents. Among adaptive measures, door fixtures
(68.0%) and modified entrance (48.0%) were the most common house modifications. Spectacles
(80.0%) and stool for sitting (76.0%) were the most commonly used assistive device. Bed grab rail in
bedroom aids, tap turner for water taps in bathroom, ergo plus cup in kitchen, walking stick with
portable step as mobility aid and ring zipper pull among personal care were the most needed and
preferred aids by maximum of elderly. A highly significant correlation existed between need and
preference of ergo-aids; income and features-fixtures of house and; age and health problems faced by
elderly. Conclusively, elderly were feeling helpless because of constrained mobility or other physical
issues. Subsequently, there is a need to make senior friendly environment for elderly leading to active
ageing.