Geriatric population has been expanding since independence due to better healthcare facilities and increase in average life expectancy of an individual. While the census suggest an average Indian male had a life expectancy of 62 years 20 years back, today it is 69. However, if seen, most individuals above the poverty line belonging to stable socio-economic strata have shown a healthy life up until the age of 75–80 years of age with minor chronic health issues related to age and lifestyle. This chapter focuses on the psychosocial aspects of the population which is in their late adulthood (above 60 years of age) in regard to the challenges faced by them, both physically and mentally. It also focuses on how they adapt to their changing roles within families and friend circle, how they cope with the increasing technology and fast upgradations, trying to bridge a gap between the generations. Certain common issues related to loss of psycho-motor activities, appetite, senses, and memory have been discussed in detail highlighting the factors responsible for the same. Coping with loss of spouse and impending death is something very crucial in this population; the chapter deals with this feeling and various approaches given by gerontologist and developmental psychologists are enlisted and a need to understand the life of an elderly person belonging to different groups is stressed upon. It is to be understood that just like any individual, even geriatric population goes through individual differences, thereby the approach to enhancing their care, ensuring they live to best of their potentials have been suggested. Various processes of aging and their psychosocial correlates are presented from an Indian perspective.

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Elderly: Psychosocial Issues in India

  • Dhanshree Waghmare

摘要

Geriatric population has been expanding since independence due to better healthcare facilities and increase in average life expectancy of an individual. While the census suggest an average Indian male had a life expectancy of 62 years 20 years back, today it is 69. However, if seen, most individuals above the poverty line belonging to stable socio-economic strata have shown a healthy life up until the age of 75–80 years of age with minor chronic health issues related to age and lifestyle. This chapter focuses on the psychosocial aspects of the population which is in their late adulthood (above 60 years of age) in regard to the challenges faced by them, both physically and mentally. It also focuses on how they adapt to their changing roles within families and friend circle, how they cope with the increasing technology and fast upgradations, trying to bridge a gap between the generations. Certain common issues related to loss of psycho-motor activities, appetite, senses, and memory have been discussed in detail highlighting the factors responsible for the same. Coping with loss of spouse and impending death is something very crucial in this population; the chapter deals with this feeling and various approaches given by gerontologist and developmental psychologists are enlisted and a need to understand the life of an elderly person belonging to different groups is stressed upon. It is to be understood that just like any individual, even geriatric population goes through individual differences, thereby the approach to enhancing their care, ensuring they live to best of their potentials have been suggested. Various processes of aging and their psychosocial correlates are presented from an Indian perspective.