Physical Problems of Senior Citizens Attending Outpatient Department of Selected Hospitals of Chandigarh

An Exploratory Study was done to assess the Physical Problems of Senior Citizens. This study was conducted in medicine outpatient department of Government Multispeciality Hospital Sector 16 Chandigarh. The sample of present study consisted of 60 senior citizens. The investigator adopted convenient sampling technique to collect data. A review of the related literature enabled the investigator to develop a conceptual framework and select the methodology for the study. Analysis of data collection was done in accordance with the objectives of the study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Majority of senior citizens (45%) were in age group of 60-65years, 26.7% fell in the age of 66-70years and 28.3% belonged the age group of 71-75years. 60% were male and rests 40% were females. 50% had normal weight, 40% were overweight, 8.3% were obese and one 1.7% were underweight. 75% were living with their families while 21.7% were living with their spouses and just 3.3% were living alone. 31.7% senior citizens had primary education, 28.3% had secondary education, 25% were illiterate, and 11.7% had higher secondary education, while 3.3% were graduates. 36.7% senior citizens having income between Rs 11,000 - 20,000, 30% were earning less than Rs10, 000. 23.3% were earning in the range of Rs 21,000 - 30,000 while 10% were having income more than Rs 31,000. Mostly the senior citizens were suffered from Musculo-skeletal problems (29.83%). Problems related to cardiovascular system were also high (27.41%). Many of the senior citizens (16-27%) had problems related to sensory, gastrointestinal, and respiratory system. Problems related to neurologic, integumentary and endocrine system were found in 8-13 % of senior citizens. Only 6.09% of senior citizens were having problems related to genitourinary system.