RESUMEN
Background: The elderly population in India is experiencing exponential growth and facing various health and well-being challenges. This demographic shift is especially pronounced in rural areas, affecting social, financial, family, and transportation aspects, subsequently impacting health and well-being. This study aims to comprehensively understand these needs and priorities by exploring the multifaceted challenges faced by the elderly in India. Methods: An exploratory qualitative research study with a quantitative component was conducted in 9 villages in Uttar Pradesh’s Siddhartha Nagar District. Participants included individuals aged 60 years and above (n=29, M:F ratio of 13:16). Data were collected using Focus Group Discussions and Personal Interviews to assess the challenges faced by the geriatric population. The methodology involved multi-directional interactive sessions focusing on health, illness, and coping. Results: Participants averaged over 5.8 medical conditions. Those with better Socio-Economic Status (SES) reported multiple conditions but fewer troubles, while the majority, being very poor, did not consider health a primary concern. There were no complaints about the lack of public health facilities or transportation. The study highlights the complex interactions between healthcare, family, and financial difficulties that older people in rural India experience, underscoring the need for specialised treatments. The low level of knowledge about government programmes emphasises the need for improved outreach techniques to close existing accessibility gaps. Conclusions: The study recommends focused interventions and improved policies to meet the unique needs of India's rural elderly population. Policymakers and healthcare providers can enhance the well-being of this vulnerable demographic by understanding the complex nature of their issues.
RESUMEN
Aging care is critical. Hence, the best-known newly developed technologies must be provided to the older population. This paper explains the need for mapping of strategies that must address preventive and promotional care and sickness management, empowering geriatric services, and guaranteeing optimal rehabilitation for the elderly population of India. Databases considered to carry out the literature review was Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science. Scientific articles published in English were only considered. Apart from scientific articles, government report, and newspaper articles, were also reviewed. Data was managed in Mendeley software. Articles based on elderly residing in urban populations and other age groups were excluded from the study. There are multiple barriers between the elderly beneficiaries and the healthcare services which stop the utilization of healthcare services. It can be demographic, aging, geographic, economic, accessibility, psychological, housing, transportation, medical, and social. Financial security is the top reason for not availing of healthcare services, followed by the perception that the ailment is not serious enough. The second reason was the unavailability of accessible healthcare facilities. Therefore, elderly people residing in rural regions, are more prone to varying diseases and are vulnerable to health inequity among other age groups in India. Considering the projected demography, it will only get worse until there is an intervention and feasible infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and services are provided in collaboration with local stakeholders and program monitors.