| Globally 10% of the world?s population is elderly and is expected to increase to 21% by 2051 In India, the phenomenon of population ageing is becoming a major concern for the policy makers, during last two decades with more 8.6% aged more than 60 years. However, the definition of quality of elderly life and its determinants remains a concern. The social determinants of perceived physical health, amenable for intervention, working status, not being neglected by the family, involvement in social activities, determinants for social relations in social group, with the family members - these subjective variables account for quality of life of elderly. Several investigators in the West have recognized the importance of subjective evaluation over objective life conditions. In India, there is sparse research in understanding the social determinants among the elderly. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 200 elderly individuals (60 years and above), out of which 100 individuals were enrolled from a rural setup and 100 individuals were enrolled from an urban setup. An interview was conducted with a pretested questionnaire which was based on The RAND Social Health Battery and The General Wellbeing Schedule after getting an informed consent. Results: About 70% and 64% of rural elderly men and women respectively were anxious while only 65% and 67% of urban men and women respectively were anxious. About 32% and 36% of rural men and women respectively were depressed while 30% and 31% of urban women were depressed. 48% of the rural men and 48% rural women showed positive wellbeing while 49% urban males and 46% urban females showed positive well-being. Conclusion: Social well-being of elderly living in urban and rural areas of Puducherry are not different despite the significant difference economic front which is important to health care of the elderly. Regardless of stressful life events, high levels of social well-being were found.ddd |
