PHYSICAL HEALTH STATUS OF AGED WOMEN: A CASE STUDY OF SRINAGAR DISTRICT - J&K STATE

Abstract

There is a growing concern both at government and non-governmental level about the present state of senior citizens with regard to their increasing numbers and deteriorating state of health on account of psycho social trauma. The present study was carried out among the aged women of District Srinagar of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, in order to assess their physical health status. A sample of 50 aged women of various urban wards of Srinagar district was selected by using random sampling technique. Anthropometric measurements (Height, Weight, Calf circumference, Demi span measurement, BMI) were assessed by using weighing machine & measuring tape. Statistical analysis was used with the help SPSS technique like mean, standard deviation, T- test and correlation was computed. Results reveal that mean height among 60-70years of age group was 146.77±17.26 and 70-80years of age group was 144.27±15.13, Weight among 60-70years of age group was 59.60±7.78 and 70-80years of age group was 54.56±6.63, Calf circumference among 60-70years of age group was 11.64±1.52 and 70-80years of age group was 11.56±1.58, Demispan measurements among 60- 70years of age group was96.00±4.08,70-80years of age group was 93.99±2.90,BMI among 60- 70years of age group was 28.64±7.16 and 70-0years of age group was 26.16±5.67, t value were non significant at the level of (p≤0.05),except weight and demispan measurements. Results also reveal that normal range of BMI and class I obese were found among 30% of aged women respectively. On the basis of the findings, it can be concluded that high prevalence of risk of malnutrition was detected among the aged women of Kashmir valley which was attributed to educational status besides the family conditions. The problems of malnutrition and health related diseases among such group of aged women further worsened who were living without any family and financial support. Over all it has been found that women also suffered from psychological stress due to ongoing strife and crossborder terrorism.