The proportion of elderly people in the population has increased tremendously in Kerala due to better livelihood options, food security, and health care. Lived experiences of very aged persons like nonagenarians are less studied by academicians and researchers. Literature and primary sources, especially an exploration into the lives of nonagenarians from three selected districts of Kerala, focusing on their daily routine, food habits, social support, health problems, and health care, access show a number of important trends, which are presented in this chapter. The overall quality of life of the 90 plus individuals is found to be better than what is normally assumed. People with better social and family support are able to manage their lives and cope with their problems. From a public health perspective, social and family support, in addition to more structured life support, are required to sustain quality in the lives of nonagenarians. As life expectancy is higher among females, and due to several vulnerabilities, a gender-based approach in this regard is necessary. The key factors influencing the lives of people in that age group are multidimensional, and this exceptional group in Kerala society needs special attention in geriatric policies.

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Health and Well-Being of Nonagenarian Persons in Kerala

  • K. Rajasekharan Nayar,
  • Lekha D. Bhat,
  • Bindhya Vijayan,
  • Krishna Rejeesh

摘要

The proportion of elderly people in the population has increased tremendously in Kerala due to better livelihood options, food security, and health care. Lived experiences of very aged persons like nonagenarians are less studied by academicians and researchers. Literature and primary sources, especially an exploration into the lives of nonagenarians from three selected districts of Kerala, focusing on their daily routine, food habits, social support, health problems, and health care, access show a number of important trends, which are presented in this chapter. The overall quality of life of the 90 plus individuals is found to be better than what is normally assumed. People with better social and family support are able to manage their lives and cope with their problems. From a public health perspective, social and family support, in addition to more structured life support, are required to sustain quality in the lives of nonagenarians. As life expectancy is higher among females, and due to several vulnerabilities, a gender-based approach in this regard is necessary. The key factors influencing the lives of people in that age group are multidimensional, and this exceptional group in Kerala society needs special attention in geriatric policies.