ABSTRACT
Background: Old age is an imminent natural phenomenon and is a significant outcome of demographic transition. Ageing of population is primarily the results in reduction in mortality and fertility. The process of industrialization, globalization and urbanization results in overall demographic and family structure. India is also among the countries with the high burden of ageing population. Objective: To study the Socio-demographic Characteristics, Nutritional status and Health condition of elderly living in Old Age Homes. Methodology: This was a cross sectional exploratory study. Area of research was Old Age Homes of Varanasi district. Elderly who were aged 60 years and above formed the study population with a total number of 231 study subjects. Information was collected with a pre-designed and pre tasted interview schedule. Results: Elderly females were found approximately three times higher than male (73.6% vs 26.4%). Majority 44.7% belonged to age group 60-69 years. Most of them (96.5%) were Hindus. The illiteracy rate in this study group was 59.7%. Half (51.1%) belonged to lower socio-economic status, 47.6% had normal nutritional status, 45.9% were found to be suffering from Joint pain; the most common health problem. Conclusion: Majority of the study subjects was females, the literacy rate found very low, more than half have poor nutritional status and majority of them were suffering from different morbid illnesses.