Time Trends in Ailments and Leisure-time Activities among the Indian Elderly: A Cross-sectional Study

Page: 275-282
Monika Rikhi and Tarush (Department of Applied Psychology, Sri Aurobindo College (Evening), University of Delhi, Delhi)

The behavioural trends amongst the older Indian population have drastically changed in the past two decades. Given the existing load of diseases and lower levels of physical activity among India’s elderly, it is widely recognised that older persons are more vulnerable. This paper aims to understand the decadal differences in their health status and leisure-time activities engagement, which can be attributed to various contexts in which geriatrics dwell. A cross-sectional study was carried out using individualised data collected with the help of a checklist/fixed-response questionnaire to determine the differences between the prevalence of ailments and the leisure-time activity engagement on two cross-sections, i.e., 2001 and 2021. Total 410 individuals over the age of 60 were included in the study during the course of its duration (200 males; 210 females). Descriptive and inferential analysis shows that time trends in ailments (10 out of 29) and leisure-time activities (17 out of 23) for samples A & B are significantly different at .05 and .01 levels of significance (denoted by p < .05 & .01). This study demonstrated that the two major dimensions of quality of life have improved with fewer ailments and more involvement in leisure-time activities. In conclusion, current demographic trends combined with rising urbanization and lifestyle changes have resulted in a slew of challenges for the elders in India. Although this study has mostly focused on the transitions in the elderly world, it is important to note that improvement in the quality of life of the elderly requires a comprehensive strategy and coordinated efforts from the health-related sectors.