General health status and functional independence of rural and urban elderly population of sub-himalayas region, India: Comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: Preserving independence in tasks and continuing an active life are the most significant features in improving elderly's health care. The aim of the present study was to identify and compare elderly general health status and functional independence among rural and urban areas of the Sub-Himalayas region, India. Materials and Methods: The study was nonexperimental comparative design, in which multistage sampling techniques were used. 200 elderly participants were selected, i.e., 100 elderly from rural and urban areas, respectively. Results: Majority elderly of rural and urban areas belong to 61–70 years, male, Hindu, married, living with their children, receiving government pension, taking three times meals/day and have a previous history of medical illness. The general health status of the rural elderly is good (P = 0.000 [3.45, 5.16]) as compared to the urban elderly. Rural elderly were functional independent (P = 0.009 [0.37, 1.38]) than urban elderly. Conclusions: It is important to monitor the general health status and functional independence of the elderly. The status of daily living activity always has a great impact on the level of happiness, well-being, and quality of life of the elderly.