Quality of life among elderly in a rural area

Background: Quality of life (QOL) among elderly is an important area of concern which reflects the health status and well-being of this vulnerable population. Their number in the developing world is increasing due to demographic transition. For India, the population of above 60 years was around 7% in 2001, which is expected to rise to 11.6% by 2026.The objective of the study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) among elderly in a rural area.Methods:A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 elderly subjects exiting the primary health centre at Nemam, Thiruvallur district, Tamilnadu. Data on QOL was assessed by WHO questionnaire (WHO QOL-BREF). Written and informed consent was obtained from all participants. The study protocol was approved by Institutional ethics committee.Results: Majority of participants were of 60-64 years age group (40%). Out of 50 participants, 20 (40%) were male and 30 (60%) were females. Among the participants 52% were working and 76% married. The overall mean (SD) score was 49.28 (9.92) with first, second and third quartile scores of 43.8, 47 and 51 respectively. The difference of scores between men and women was statistically insignificant.Conclusions:QOL score among elderly was found to be average. The scores of social relationship were low for both male and female elderly subjects. This implies an urgent need for health educating the elderly with regard to their social and physical group recreational activities that will build their self-confidence and thereby improving their QOL.