Bio-social Profile of Elderly residing in Jaipur City: A Cross-sectional Study
Abstract
The global demographic transition has led to a steady increase in the elderly population, making them a significant and growing segment of society. This age group is particularly vulnerable to a range of health issues that profoundly affect their quality of life. A comprehensive understanding of their bio-social profile is essential for formulating effective policies and interventions to ensure healthy and dignified ageing.
Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the bio-social profile of elderly individuals residing in Jaipur city, India.
Methods: The study was carried out between September 2009 and August 2010 among 1,620 elderly persons (aged ≥60 years) living in the municipal corporation area of Jaipur. Data on socio-demographic and bio-social characteristics were collected and analyzed.
Results: The study population had a male-to-female ratio of 0.95, with a slight female predominance (1,048 females per 1,000 males). The mean age was 66.08 years. The majority of participants were Hindus (74.93%), and 65.18% belonged to the general caste, followed by Other Backward Classes (15.92%), Scheduled Castes (14.44%), and Scheduled Tribes (4.22%). About three-fourths (77%) were married and residing with their spouses, while only 2% lived alone due to separation, divorce, or never having married. Most elderly lived in joint families and in adequate housing conditions. Nearly half (45.42%) were either illiterate or just literate, with a significantly higher proportion of females in this category. Conversely, the proportion of males increased with higher literacy levels (p<0.001). Regarding economic status, 50.49% of the elderly had their own source of income, primarily through pensions or self-employment; however, the majority of females (81.54%) were homemakers.
Conclusion: The study highlights a predominance of females, a high prevalence of low literacy, and significant gender-based disparities in economic independence among the elderly in Jaipur. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy measures addressing gender-sensitive health and social security for the ageing urban population.
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Introduction
Aging is a natural process. Worldwide trend for population of 60 years and above shows 381.2 million people (8.6%) of the total population in (1980) this has increased to 608.7 million (9.9%) in 2000 and is projected at 754.2 million (10.8%) by 2010 and 1011.6 million (12.9%) by 2020.1 This “demographic time bomb” is nearing explosion in developed nations. Asia, including India, is not far behind.1
In India, proportion of elderly (60 years and above) persons has increased from 5.43%in 1951 to, 7.08% in 2001 and projected 8.18% in 2011 and 9.87% in 2021 (Census of India 2001) 2 . Population projection indicates that India will have 198 million 60 plus person in 2030 and 326 million in 2050 when it would be 21% of total population of the country making it the country with the largest elderly population in the world (SRS 2003). 3 The percentage of persons above 60 years of age in India was 7.3% in which male and female percentage was 7.0 and 7.7 respectively. For urban area it was 6.9% in which male and female percentage was 6.6 and 7.3 and for rural area it was 7.5% in which male and female percentage was 7.1 and 7.8 respectively (N.H.P.2008). 4
Conclusion
Mean age of elderly was 66.08 years with slight female predominance i.e. 1048 females for 1000 males in Jaipur city. About three forth were Hindus and likewise majority were of general caste followed by OBC, SC and ST. More than 3/4th were married & living with their spouses and only very few i.e. 2% were living singly either because of separated /divorce with their spouse or they had never married.Majority of elderly were living in joint family and in good housing condition. About half of elderly were either illiterate or just literate, which is mainly because of higher proportion of females in this literacy level group. It was also found that as literacy level increases the proportion of females decreases and for males it is just reverse of it. About half of elderies were having source of income either as pension or by self employment. But among females, more than 3/4 were house wives.