Quality of life of geriatric population: a comparative study in Urban and Rural Areas of Kanpur Nagar

Abstract

Introduction: According to 2011 census, India has 104 million elderly (above 60 years), constituting 8.6% of the total population.The elderly population in India will rise to 12.4% of the population by 2026 and is projected to be 20% by 2050. Hence, these differing area-wise characteristics has led in the planning of the present study with aim to assess QOL of the elderly in urban and rural settings. Methodology:  A community based Cross-sectional Study was conducted among Elderly (> 60 years) of urban and rural areas of Kanpur Nagar. A multistage systematic random sampling was done to select Study subjects from urban and rural areas of Kanpur Nagar District over a time period of June 2024 to February 2025. Results: Among study subjects in urban areas QOL scores in physical domain was 50.5±10.8 and among study subjects in rural areas QOL scores was 52.2±9.80. In Psychosocial domain, QOL scores for urban area was 45.9±11.5 and for rural area was 49.1±10.17. QOL scores in Social relationship domain for urban area study subjects was 50.5±10.8 and for rural area was 52.2±9.80.  QOL scores in Environment domain was 54.1±13.4 for urban area and 57.5±11.60 for area study subjects. Conclusion: Maintaining and enhancing a healthy lifestyle like increase physical activity, healthy and balanced diet, no use of tobacco and alcohol will improve the elderly population's quality of life.