The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
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J Assoc Physicians India · Jul 2006
Comparative StudyHealth problems and disability of elderly individuals in two population groups from same geographical location.
To compare morbidity, disability (ADL-IADL disability) along with behavioral and biological correlates of diseases and disability of two elderly population groups (tea garden workers and urban dwellers) living in same geographical location. ⋯ This study highlights the physical dimension of health problems of elderly individuals. Social circumstances and health risk behaviours play important role in the variation of health and functional status between the two groups. Life-style modification is warranted to prevent onset of chronic diseases. To improve quality of life, rectification of poor health status through affordable health service for disease screening and better management of illness, nutritional improvement and greater health awareness are necessary particularly among low socio-economic group. Low-cost intervention like cataract surgery could make a difference in the quality of life of elderly Indian.