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Introduction: Accurate estimation of dementia prevalence is essential for making effective public and social care policy to support individuals and families suffering from the disease. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the prevalence of dementia in India using a semi-supervised machine learning approach based on a large nationally representative sample. Methods: The sample of this study is adults 60 years or older in the wave 1 (2017–2019) of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). A subsample in LASI received extensive cognitive assessment and clinical consensus ratings and therefore has diagnoses of dementia. A semi-supervised machine learning model was developed to predict the status of dementia for LASI participants without diagnoses. After obtaining the predictions, sampling weights and age standardization to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard population were applied to generate the estimate for prevalence of dementia in India. Results: The prevalence of dementia for those aged 60 years and older in India was 8.44% (95% CI: 7.89%–9.01%). The age-standardized prevalence was estimated to be 8.94% (95% CI: 8.36%–9.55%). The prevalence of dementia was greater for those who were older, were females, received no education, and lived in rural areas. Discussion: The prevalence of dementia in India may be higher than prior estimates derived from local studies. These prevalence estimates provide the information necessary for making long-term planning of public and social care policy. The semi-supervised machine learning approach adopted in this paper may also be useful for other large population aging studies that have a similar data structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the social and economic vulnerability of Indian elderly women, thereby making them prone to varied forms of abuse and denying them of the basic rights of secured existence. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted by analyzing primary data from government sources that dealt with the aging Indian population and the common predicaments that elderly women experienced during the pandemic. A qualitative interview was conducted in three old-age homes in India where the experiences of 26 elderly female residents were documented for understanding their experiences during the pandemic. The secondary data collected from different newspaper articles and online resources also enabled in perusing the difficulties that they faced both at home and the caregiving space at the critical juncture of COVID-19. Findings: Nearly 73% of the elderly population in the country has faced an incidence in different forms of abuse and exploitation during the subsequent waves of the pandemic. Disrespect and neglect were the most common type of mistreatment and around 23.1% reported physical assault. The elderly women were victimized further on socioeconomic grounds and their rights of living a secured and dignified life were significantly neglected. Research limitations/implications: The basic premise of this paper operates on the ground that the family as an institution has shunned taking care of the responsibilities vis-a-vis the elderly and therefore formal institutions have been introduced to aid in the conventional caretaking responsibilities in the Indian societal structure. This situation became all the more grave during the pandemic and therefore needed much intervention. This paper follows the theoretical lens of gender theory and case study method to analyze the data. Social implications: The HelpAge India report findings entail that elderly women/widows are doubly marginalized in the Indian society, and the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the caregiver stress on manifold levels, thus exacerbating the problem. As most of the female senior citizens are economically dependent on their children and relatives, financial exploitation became one of the important premise that deprived them of a healthy living both at home and elderly caregiving institution. Despite the prevalence of certain elderly assistance schemes in the country, the older women's needs and well-being got heavily impacted and their voice gets hardly recognized in the wider spectrum of sociopolitical events. To extend the requisite help and assistance to this socially vulnerable section, the government on September, 2021, launched a pan-India, toll-free helpline number "Elder Line" to provide relevant information on elderly legal and medical aid and guidance on procuring pension. Originality/value: According to the secondary findings, a significant percentage of elderly women have been susceptible to physical and emotional abuse and factors such as widowhood, economic dependency, physical infirmity, cognitive impairment along with other stressors have aggravated their exposure to ill-treatment during the pandemic span. Thus, to recognize and mitigate the existing problems affecting the elderly subjects, the government should devise the necessary protocols and adopt essential measures to ensure the welfare of the marginalized section and protect their basic rights of a holistic existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper advocates for a paradigm shift in indigenous gerontology, challenging the status quo and emphasizing the importance of de-colonizing knowledge production to capture the voices of tribal elders authentically. Through the adoption of culture-centric and participatory research methods, the proposed shift aims to empower tribal elders as active contributors rather than passive research subjects. The oversight in researching tribal elderly intersects with their under representation in reports and policies concerning older people. A transformative approach is imperative to integrate indigenous voices into India's pursuit of comprehensive and equitable senior welfare policies amidst population ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is an inevitable ongoing process of change integral to all living organisms. It is characterized by a progressive deterioration in the biological, mental and social functioning of an individual. Therefore we are bound to prepare for embracing this phenomenon gracefully and explore possibilities of enhancing well-being among the elderly. India's elderly population is projected to rise 41 per cent by 2031 (National Statistical Office, 2021) which shows a dire need for approaching healthy ageing. A few decades ago elderly enjoyed a special place in the Indian family structure but with the advent of urbanization, youngsters have started moving out of the family settings. This has placed the elderly in a vulnerable situation wherein they are either left alone or required in the family for taking care of home and children. Though initially pleasurable it may be taxing as time progresses due to the deterioration of health which eventually affects their overall well-being. Hence this conceptual paper attempts to address the significance of healthy ageing from a eudaimonic perspective of well-being emphasizing the dimension of Purpose in Life propounded by Ryff and Singer (2008) in their model of psychological well-being. This model comprises six key dimensions which are foundational for the process of living well and one among them is Purpose in Life (PIL). It is a promising dimension of eudaimonic well-being which undergoes transition across different phases of life and is associated with better engagement in activities, health outcomes and physical functioning during older adulthood. This signifies the essentiality of addressing PIL for enhancing the eudaimonic well-being of the elderly, which contributes to the process of healthy ageing. Hence this paper highlights the significance of developing Purpose in Life among the elderly by emphasizing the need for engaging themselves actively for their well-being and betterment of society rather than surmising old age as frivolous. This paper underscores the need for recommendations from health care professionals and government policymakers in initiating and implementing meaningful purposes for enhancing eudaimonic well-being among older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, where around 19,500 dialects are spoken, there is a great abundance of fiction quite rich in varied descriptions of old age and aging. While scholars like Pramod K. Nayar and Ira Raja have recently begun studying Indian literary texts written in English from the perspective of literary gerontology, those literary experiences of aging (which are originally in languages like Bengali, Tamil, Hindi, Oriya, etc.) are yet to be analyzed from a gerontological point of view. The present paper aims at studying the experiences of old age in 2 Indian short stories (one from Bengali Literature and another from Tamil Literature)—Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay's "Drabomoyee Goes to Kashi" ("Drabomoyeer Kashibash" in Bengali) and T. Janakiraman's "The Puppet" ("Vilayattu Bommai" in Tamil). Regarding "Drabomoyee Goes to Kashi," the paper interrogates the problems in the emplacement of Hindu older widows to Kashi and explores the possibilities in Drabomoyee from ecofeminist and creatural perspectives. The discussions on "The Puppet" chiefly reflect on the social exclusion of the aging bodies of people living with dementia. Through the story of Venu, the paper shows that what the society or family generally expects from the older persons suffering from dementia may not do any good to them, and may instead lead to their institutionalization and other forms of exclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Chronic diseases are growing in India and largely affecting the middle-aged and elderly population; many of them are in working age. Though a large number of studies estimated the out-of-pocket payment and financial catastrophe due to this condition, there are no nationally representative studies on productivity loss due to health problems. This paper examined the pattern and prevalence of productivity loss, due to chronic diseases among middle-aged and elderly in India., Methods: We have used a total of 72,250 respondents from the first wave of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), conducted in 2017-18. We have used two dependent variables, limiting paid work and ever stopped work due to ill health. We have estimated the age-sex adjusted prevalence of ever stopped working due to ill health and limiting paid work across MPCE quintile and socio- demographic characteristics. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and logistic regression was used to examine the effect of chronic diseases on both these variables., Findings: We estimated that among middle aged adults in 45-64 years, 3,213 individuals accounting to 6.9% (95%CI:6.46-7.24) had ever-stopped work and 6,300 individuals accounting to 22.7% (95% CI: 21.49-23.95) had limiting paid work in India. The proportion of ever-stopped and limiting work due to health problem increased significantly with age and the number of chronic diseases. Limiting paid work is higher among females (25.1%), and in urban areas (24%) whereas ever-stopped is lower among female (5.7%) (95% CI:5.16-6.25 ) and in urban areas (4.9%) (95% CI: 4.20-5.69). The study also found that stroke (21.1%) and neurological or psychiatric problems (18%) were significantly associated with both ever stopped work and limiting paid work. PSM model shows that, those with chronic diseases are 4% and 11% more likely to stop and limit their work respectively. Regression model reveals that more than one chronic conditions had a consistent and significant positive impact on stopping work for over a year (increasing productivity loss) across all three models., Conclusion: Individuals having any chronic disease has higher likelihood of ever stopped work and limiting paid work. Promoting awareness, screening and treatment at workplace is recommended to reduce adverse consequences of chronic disease in India., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The social capital theory is increasingly being looked at as a valuable paradigm to understand if community socioeconomic factors influence health behaviours and outcomes. This requires an understanding of the forms in which social capital manifests and the levels at which it operates. Design/methodology/approach: Thus, the purpose of this paper is to study if social capital is associated with health outcomes among older adults in India and providing an estimate of the extent to which the neighbourhood differences in health outcomes among the older adults can be attributed to social capital. Findings: The authors find several forms of social capital to be associated with health outcomes among older adults. The results show that community-level social capital variables collectively explain 12.81% unexplained neighbourhood variation in self-rated health, 2.5% variation in psychological well-being and 11.32% variation in the ability to perform activities of daily living, respectively. Originality/value: The findings highlight the role social capital plays in serving as a coping mechanism for older adults to survive deteriorating health and social exclusion and call for conscious investment in building social capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to document the participation of intra-household decision-making activities by older adults in India. Design/methodology/approach: This study has used a nationally representative sample of 21,662 older adults (aged 60 and above) from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India data of 2017–2018. Intra-household decision-making participation is measured based on decision-making activities that includes marriage of daughter/son, buying and selling of property, giving a gift to the family, education of family member and arrangement of social/religious events. This paper used bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression model to examine the factors associated with the participation of older adults in the intra-household decision-making activities. Findings: The result has shown that older persons' participation declined with increased age. This study has also found a difference in the participation of intra-households decision-making activities between male and female, rural and urban older adults, poor and rich older adults. Older adults with good health status who maintain social engagement and a good lifestyle are more likely to participate in the household's decision-making activities. Practical implications: Older adults with better economic and social status are more likely to participate in intra-household decision-making activities that make their life happier than the counterpart. Therefore, emphasis should be given to those vulnerable older adults who do not have any social and economic security in the society. Originality/value: There are limited studies available on intra-household decision-making participation by older adults. This paper documents the intra-household decision-making participation by older adults in India with a nationally representative large sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper explored the reliability of self-reported health and the impact of the social position in determining the inconsistent health response (IHR), in late life. Reliability of self-reported health is important to evaluate, as it is the primary step for asking health-care facility. As self-reported health is a subjective measure, elderly people might have a tendency of under-reporting the health problem because of lower socioeconomic status. This incidence can cause inaccurate estimate of the health problem of the aged at the time of formulating health policy or providing health-care infrastructure. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the sources of inconsistent responses of self-reported health by comparing it with the existence of chronicle ailment and to identify the vulnerable group that health care supports. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses nationally representative unit-level data from the National Sample Survey of India. Using the bi-variate probit model, joint estimation of reported health and IHRs is determined. The study compares perceived and actual health status and explores how individual characteristics and socioeconomic position contributes to IHRs among the elderly population. Findings: Major findings of this study are as follows: firstly, self-reported health has little reliability, as it is compared with the existence of chronicle ailment. Older people in the rural areas have greater tendency to under-estimate the health problem, whereas urban elders tend to over-estimate it; and secondly, the inconsistency in health response is significantly associated with social caste, economic status and attainment of education. Social implications: The results of this study from bivariate probit model offer deeper understandings about the reliability of self-reported health and provide further insights to improve policy design formulated to mitigate the health inequality among the elders. This study might be helpful to design an inexpensive and easily available health measure, which is very important for a highly populated aging country with limited health-care resources. Originality/value: To the best of author's knowledge, it is the first study that has identified the sources of inconsistent health and direction of inconsistency that is where self-reported health over- or under-estimates the actual health response among the elderly in a developing country like India, where the growth rate of population aging is faster than the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a natural phenomenon that is irrevocable. The older adult population is increasing rapidly in India, projected to increase from 6% to nearly 20% in 2050. Clinical conditions found among the elderly that do not fit into discrete disease categories and result from accumulated impairments in multiple systems are called geriatric syndromes. The authors have done a literature search of research papers from indexed and nonindexed journals e databases, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, Science Direct, Research Gate, and Cochrane. The search terms included were geriatric population, geriatric syndrome, geriatric care, elderly health problem, and comprehensive approach. The management of geriatric syndromes is a challenge to modern geriatric clinical practice. The comprehensive assessment of older adults using standardized tools must be carried out in any healthcare facility to ensure that their needs are met through care and treatment. Evidence‑based standards of practice need to be implemented to provide nursing care for dealing with the therapeutic challenges of various geriatric syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though a continued increase in life expectancy is a significant public health achievement, keeping older adults active and maintaining their well-being is challenging. Active aging requires physical health, mental health, functional independence, economic stability, social participation, and spiritual identification. Among all these factors, social cohesion has significant importance, but there is a dearth of studies focusing on older adults' social cohesion. Thus, the present study focuses on the level of social cohesion among older adults and its variation among the different economic classes. This article uses data from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) conducted in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa during 2007–10. Social cohesion scores have been constructed using Item Response Theory Partial Credit Model. Also, bivariate analysis, concentration curves, concentration indices, and multivariate regressions have been used for the analysis presented in this paper. This study confirms the strong predictive power of age, wealth, education, and working status of older adults on their social cohesion across the countries. Higher social non-cohesion is found among the economically poor older adults in Mexico, Russia, India, and China. In contrast, it is just opposite in the case of older adults in South Africa. Governments should develop policies to foster a society with a high level of social inclusion, social capital, and social diversity, to achieve further advancement in social cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the association between population ageing and health spending are inconclusive. Though per capita health spending has a strong age gradient, evidence from the developed countries attributes increasing health expenditure to high spending in terminal year of life. In India, though studies have examined the level, trends and determinants of health care spending, no attempt has been made on association of population ageing and per capita health spending across the districts of India. The objective of this paper was to examine the spatial dependencies and heterogeneities of population ageing and per capita health spending across 640 districts of India. Data from the Census of India (2011) and the consumption expenditure rounds of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) (2009–10 and 2011–2012) were used in the analysis. Univariate and bivariate LISA analysis, ordinary least square regression, and spatial error model were used to decipher the spatial pattern of population ageing and health spending in the districts of India. Results suggest that per capita health expenditure is positively associated with the proportion of the older adults (aged 60 years and above) in the districts of India. Districts with less than 5% older adults have an annual per capita health expenditure of ₹629 compared to ₹2432 in districts with older adults 12% or more. Districts of India also exhibit large spatial heterogeneity in household health spending. Bivariate Moran's I statistic of proportion of older adults and per capita annual health expenditure was 0.48, suggesting spatially association of the share of the older adults and the per capita annual health expenditure in India. Results of the spatial error model confirmed that share of urban population, mean wealth score, and mean household size are significant predictors of per capita annual health expenditure in India. This study is important to monitor the progress of universal health coverage across the disadvantaged districts and to integrate age component in universal health coverage programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changing population age structure has a significant influence on the economy, society, and numerous other aspects of a country. This paper has innovatively applied the method of compositional data forecasting for the prediction of population age changes of the young (aged 0–14), the middle-aged (aged 15–64), and the elderly (aged older than 65) in China, India, and Vietnam by 2030 based on data from 1960 to 2016. To select the best-suited forecasting model, an array of data transformation approaches and forecasting models have been extensively employed, and a large number of comparisons have been made between the aforementioned methods. The best-suited model for each country is identified considering the root mean squared error and mean absolute percent error values from the compositional data. As noted in this study, first and foremost, it is predicted that by the year 2030, China will witness the disappearance of population dividend and get mired in an aging problem far more severe than that of India or Vietnam. Second, Vietnam’s trend of change in population age structure resembles that of China, but the country will sustain its good health as a whole. Finally, the working population of India demonstrates a strong rising trend, indicating that the age structure of the Indian population still remains relatively “young”. Meanwhile, the continuous rise in the proportion of elderly population and the gradual leveling off growth of the young population have nevertheless become serious problems in the world. The present paper attempts to offer crucial insights into the Asian population size, labor market and urbanization, and, moreover, provides suggestions for a sustainable global demographic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – At the turn of twenty-first century, India is facing rapid population ageing coupled with consequential socio-economic development changes. Against the backdrop of such changes, its traditional familial support system of living arrangements for older persons is swiftly changing, undergoing rapid transition towards nuclear family systems. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper examined: first, the changing trends and patterns in joint family systems defined in terms of households with older persons and total households; and second, socio-economic and demographic determinants of changes in the proportion of nuclear households with older adults. The decomposition analysis segregated the contribution of determinants of the change in nuclear households with older persons in three different components: propensity, composition, and interaction. The study used data from three successive rounds of the National Family Health Survey. Findings – Results indicate that a lower proportion of households with older persons were nuclear compared to total households. However, for both types of households, nuclear households increased by nine percentage points during 1992-2006. Households with older persons that were headed by old aged persons, illiterates or females, situated in urban area, not owned agriculture land, lower affluent level, and from Southern India were at most risk of being nuclear than their counterparts. Originality/value – This study provided ample evidence of the increase in nuclear familial structure for older persons in the course of population ageing. Population ageing, urbanization and increase in education, primarily contributed to the increase in nuclear family households of older persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper, based on a qualitative study, explores the home-making activities of older adults living in a non-profit, welfare-based institutional care home in Kerala, India. We employed in-depth interviews and observation to obtain rich data on various home-making practices of older adults. Contrary to the stigmatization in India of care homes as places of abandonment and desertion, this study illustrates: (1) the important role of non-profit care homes in protecting neglected older adults especially in non-western contexts; and (2) the performative roles of older adults who utilize, modify, and recreate home in formal care spaces. Our empirical results show that daily rhythmic activities, gender roles, kinning, and cultural practices in a formal care setting contribute to establishing new familial ties and continuity in life as well as a sense of insideness in a formal care home. This paper contributes to the emerging dialogue on the role of rhythm, kinning, and culture in home-making practices in formal care spaces in a non-western context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI-DAD) is a population-representative, prospective cohort study of late-life cognition and dementia. It is part of an ongoing international research collaboration that aims to measure and understand cognitive impairment and dementia risk by collecting a set of cognitive and neuropsychological assessments and informant reports, referred to as the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP). LASI-DAD provides nationally representative data drawn from a subsample of the ongoing Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). One of LASI-DAD's distinctive features is its rich geriatric assessment, including the collection of venous blood samples and brain imaging data for a subsample of respondents. In this paper, we discuss the methodological considerations of developing and implementing the HCAP protocol in India. The lessons we learned from translating and applying the HCAP protocol in an environment where illiteracy and innumeracy are high will provide important insights to researchers interested in measuring and collecting data on late-life cognition and dementia in developing countries. We further developed an innovative blood management system that enables us to follow the collection, transportation, assay, and storage of samples. Such innovation can benefit other population surveys collecting biomarker data.

Sedentary lifestyle and high visceral adiposity have elevated the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among Indians at younger age. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory mediators with ageing with special reference to the biological ageing marker cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) among middle-aged (31-50 years) Indian healthy and T2DM subjects. Malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 β (IL-1 β ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF- α ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and CDKN2A were measured in T2DM patients ( n = 80) and controls ( n = 80) aged 31-50 years, further grouped into G1: 31-40 years and G2: 41-50 years. IL-6, TNF- α , MCP-1, and CDKN2A showed a significant association with ageing among both T2DM patients and controls. But the strength of the association of MCP-1 and CKDN2A with ageing was significantly stronger in T2DM patients than the controls. All the oxidative stress and proinflammatory mediators showed nonsignificant associations with CDKN2A in the controls. However, IL-6, TNF- α , and MCP-1 showed a strong association with CDKN2A in T2DM patients. An increased risk of high levels of CDKN2A was found in G1 T2DM patients (OR: 3.484 (95% CI: 1.246-9.747) p = 0.017) and G2 T2DM patients (OR: 5.000 (95% CI: 1.914-13.061), p = 0.001) with reference to the respective control groups. Our study reveals that the middle-aged Indians with T2DM are at higher risk of biological ageing. The development of T2DM is more common among middle-aged Indians. T2DM may exacerbate the ageing process and may subsequently predispose Indians to various age-related complications at a much early age., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Joyita Banerjee et al.)

With the decline of the joint family system, middle class older adults in urban India are increasingly relying on the Self-Care approach as later-life care arrangements. In particular, these older adults are relying on the market for their everyday physical and emotional care needs. Applying the North American Successful Ageing model and the political economy and consumer culture of ageing framework, the present study highlights how the market is creating a new imagination of growing old in urban India. Additionally, through qualitative interviews, the study demonstrates how perceptions regarding the ageing body among middle class older adults in urban India are gradually transforming. Finally, the study indicates how with changing filial and intergenerational ties, familial care is being replaced by the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productive activities are crucial factors leading to an "active aging" population. With the case of Vietnam, this paper aimed to explore the productive activities among Vietnamese older people by using data from the Vietnam Aging Survey (VNAS), which was conducted in 2011 as the first-ever nationally representative survey on persons aged 50 and over in Vietnam and contained 2789 older people (those aged 60 and over) representing all older people living in 6 ecological regions and urban and rural areas in Vietnam. Productive activities included working and/or taking care of any (great)grandchild(ren) in the past 12 months prior to the survey. Using paired t-tests and probit models, we compared the differences in these productive activities among older people in terms of sex and living area. The results from various t-tests showed that educational attainment, health status and poverty status were key factors differentiating older men and women and rural and urban older people in these productive activities. For the probit estimations in terms of both gender and living location, the results indicated that age, education, health status and supportive children were determinants of working decision, while age, marital status and size of household were consistently important factors of taking care of (great)grandchildren. The paper also discussed policy implications for socio-economic and health protection in promoting older people's productive activities as well as protecting them from a variety of risks and vulnerabilities., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Individuals in developing countries often engage in paid and unpaid work till late in life due to low household savings and limited welfare provisions. Yet, physical disabilities associated with aging can limit their ability to work. While work can be beneficial for economic and psychological well-being, this paper investigates whether engagement in paid and unpaid work mediates the impact of physical disabilities on quality of life for older adults. We exploit the different levels of health services and social security in rural and urban China and India to examine the effect of public provisions in the process. We use nationally representative data of individuals aged 50 and above from the World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health Wave 1, conducted in 2008-10 in China and in 2007-08 in India. Using a causal mediation analysis framework, we find that paid work plays a minor role in mediating the effect of physical disabilities on quality of life in all societies, and the mediated effect is smaller in urban China than in other societies. Unpaid work is beneficial only in urban China, and it does not mediate the impact of physical disabilities on quality of life elsewhere. The findings indicate that promoting productive engagement alone, without improving basic public provisions, will have limited impact on improving quality of life of the aging population in developing countries., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

With its sociocultural, institutional, and demographic contexts, India offers a unique opportunity to study the dynamics and experiences of aging, especially as it is poised to have a large increase in the number of persons aged 60 and above in the next half a century. In this paper, we focus on the concept of productive aging that emphasizes the active participation of older persons in society. We examine the correlates of productive aging in India, drawing on data from the Building Knowledge Base on Population Aging (BKPAI) survey of 9852 men and women aged 60 years and above in seven states of India in 2011. The productive activities that we examine pertain to four domains: work, contribution to household financial matters, grandparenting, and social engagement. The findings highlight the importance of gender, family structure, and socio-economic status in these different aspects of productive aging. Importantly, the findings show that the effect of the correlates is not the same across the different measures of productive aging. We find that women are less likely than men to engage in all productive activities except for grandparenting, and that living with children and adverse health reduce the likelihood of current employment or financial contributions, but not of social engagement or grandparenting. Greater wealth at older ages reduces the likelihood of employment but increases the likelihood of social engagement and ties. The study contributes to the understanding of opportunities and constraints of productive aging in India and has implications for intergenerational relationships, support and dependencies in old age., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The rising population of elderly possibly indicates an improvement in the quality of health care in the country at the same time it also point out the responsibility of ensuring quality care. Amidst this, unlike the physical health, mental health in the elderly has not received much attention. Strengthening the capacity of primary health care to deliver effective elder care services is recommended for a developing country like India. In this context, addressing the mental health needs of elderly would be successful if task shifting method is strategically used. The current paper shares the process of manual development for health workers and presents findings of pilot testing in rural Bangalore. The pilot experience observes that this is a useful method of ensuring mental health help to the elderly in the community., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Purpose: Residential academic campuses generally support a skewed population profile that favours a younger population, mainly the student community, and thereby marginalize the needs of the older people staying within the campus. Health delivery systems are often not in accordance with the needs of staff members co-habiting with their aged parents and relatives as well as older staff members themselves. This poses a serious problem, especially in India, where filial piety is a norm and many employees cohabit with their parents. Moreover, the Government of India has reformulated its retirement policy under which the age for superannuation of teaching staff has been enhanced. This in turn, has raised the older-younger ratio in campuses in recent years. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: To address these issues, a household survey was carried out on older people staying in a residential academic campus of India followed by a focus group discussion with family caregivers of the older people. Findings: It was found that older people were a marginalized group in campus, as health delivery system and allied facilities were not consistent with their needs. As a result, they and their family caregivers faced various challenges. Originality/value: This is the first study exploring the possibility of academic campuses in India to emerge as alternate sites for supporting older care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reducing modifiable risk factors could prevent the onset of cognitive decline. • Physical multimorbidity–cognitive function association was mediated by depression. • Routine screening for depression in multimorbidity patient may delay dementia onset. This paper explores the role of depressive symptoms (mediator/moderator) in the association between physical multimorbidity (exposure) and cognitive function (outcome) among older adults in the three most populous middle-income countries. This study used cross-sectional data from China (2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study), India (2017/2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India), and Indonesia (2014/2015 Indonesian Family Life Survey), with a total sample of 73,199 respondents aged ≥ 45 years. Three domains of cognitive tests were harmonised across surveys, including time orientation, word recall, and numeracy. The four-way decomposition analysis assessed the mediation and interaction effects between exposure, mediator/moderator, and outcome, adjusted for covariates. The mean age of the respondents (in years) was slightly younger in Indonesia (56.0, SD = 8.8) than in China (59.5, SD = 9.3) and India (60.0, SD = 10.5). The proportion of male respondents was 49.3 % in China, 47.3 % in India, and 47.5 % in Indonesia. Respondents in China had the highest mean cognitive function z scores (54.7, SD = 19.9), followed by India (51.1, SD = 20.0) and Indonesia (51.0, SD = 18.4). Physical multimorbidity was associated with lower cognitive function in China and India (p < 0.0001), with 48.4 % and 40.0 % of the association explained by the mediating effect of depressive symptoms ('overall proportion due to mediation'). The association was not found in Indonesia. Cognitive functions were lower among individuals with physical multimorbidity, and depressive symptoms mainly explained the association. Addressing depressive symptoms among persons with physical multimorbidity is likely to have not only an impact on their mental health but could prevent cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considering India's diversity, marked by differences in caste, class, ethnicity, religion, region, and language, discrimination can take on varying forms across social-structural locations. We examined the association between subjective social status (SSS) and perceived discrimination, and assessed the sociodemographic correlates of perceived discrimination among older persons in India. Methods: Data come from the 2017-18 wave 1 of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) with a sample of 30,253 adults 60 years or older. SSS was examined using the Macarthur scale with a ladder technique. Perceived discrimination was evaluated with the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the odds of reporting discrimination by its types and attributions. Results: 39% of older adults reported low SSS, whereas 7.3% reported high SSS. Older adults with low SSS had significantly higher odds of experiencing some discrimination than those with high SSS. Compared to high-SSS peers, low-SSS individuals attributed age, gender, caste, financial, and health status as reasons for discrimination. Older women attributed gender as a reason for discrimination. Caste was reported as a reason for discrimination by rural but not urban dwellers. Relative to northerners, those from southern India reported age, financial, and health statuses as reasons for discrimination. Conclusions: That low-SSS older adults reported age, gender, caste, financial status, and health status as reasons for discrimination and that this association persisted after considering objective indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) is suggestive of SSS as independently consequential for perceived discrimination. These findings are useful for care providers and practitioners as they encourage older patients -- especially those with low SSS who may feel stigmatized -- to seek care, comply with care regimen, and engage in behaviors that protect and promote health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the obesity guidelines submitted by bariatric surgeon Dr. Shashank Shah, based on associated conditions and not body mass index (BMI) alone. Topics discussed include definition of obesity, prevalence of obesity in India, and factors which are significantly associated with obesity in India.

The human population is aging faster and faster than in the past. As a result, it can be demographically proven that there will be more people older than 60 worldwide in the next 35 years. According to the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA's) India Aging Report 2017, the proportion of people over 60 could increase from 8% in 2015 to 19% in 2050. The Indian government in particular states in its report that there will be 340 million people over 60 by 2050, creating new challenges due to specific characteristics and needs. However, this often overlooks the group of older consumers who make up a significant part of the world's annually growing population. Therefore, this paper explores the general characteristics of older consumers, their latent needs, and factors that influence their food choices. This is done through thorough literature review using secondary sources to identify factors influencing food shopping and shop selection among older consumers in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several observational studies have reported the prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and their risk factors in an elderly population. Any information in this regard is currently lacking from India. Aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, risk factors of CMBs, and association with cognition in an Indian urban population aged 50 years and above. Methods: Household surveys were conducted as part of ongoing Longitudinal Cognition and Aging Research on Population of the National Capital Region (LoCARPoN) study in areas of urban Delhi. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed in 2599 participants. Using standard neuropsychological battery, mean Z-scores for each domain (memory, executive, information) were derived. Binary and stepwise logistic regression models were used to determine associated risk factors for the presence of CMB and its association with cognitive domains. Results: The prevalence of CMBs was 14.42% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.06-15.73). Of these, 203 (7.81%) participants had single CMBs and 172 (6.61%) had multiple microbleeds (≥2). Higher prevalence was observed in older age (6070 years: odds ratio [OR]: 1.25 [95% CI: 0.93-1.67]; 70-80 years: OR: 2.05 [95% CI: 1.48-2.84]; ≥80 years: OR: 3.27 [95% CI: 1.97-5.44]) compared to individuals in the age group 50-60 years. History of stroke (OR: 2.97 [95% CI: 1.56-5.66]), hypertension (OR: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.05-1.75]), and smoking (OR: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.11-1.85]) was associated with at least one CMB. Multiple CMBs were associated with worse scores in memory and executive domains. Conclusion: Older age, hypertension, history of stroke, and history of smoking emerged as important risk factors for the presence of multiple CMBs. Follow-up study is required to determine implications of CMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the new Census 2011 results with the results of the previous Censuses and assess the progress in trends of population growth, literacy rate, and sex ratio imbalance and also to highlight the critical socioeconomic issues based on short-term trends and patterns. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is structured in a "commentary and perspective" format. The paper assesses key demographic and socioeconomic features of India's population using 2011 Census data, and compares progress in population and social trends with the results of previous Censuses. The paper also uses data from the National Family Health Survey (2005-2006) and the United Nations World Population Prospects (2008) to complement Census results and understand the underlying reasons for the progress or deterioration in critical demographic and socioeconomic indicators. Findings – The provisional results of the 2011 Census data reveal a mixed bag of insights. On the positive side, there has been steady progress in population stabilization and a swift ascent in female literacy since 1991. These encouraging trends, among others, represent major driving forces of demographic and economic returns for India in the coming decades. However, on the negative side, the 2011 Census reveals a deplorable deterioration in the female-male ratio of the child population aged 0-6 years, despite India's enforcement of targeted policy measures following the 2001 Census. The country needs to take careful stock of this issue, as its advancing demographic transition and changing socioeconomic circumstances are rapidly translating into an adverse trend of girl child discrimination. Originality/value – This study compares India's most recent two Censuses and provides original analytical insights into India's progress in population stabilization and development, and the setbacks it faces in terms of gender inequalities. Region and state-wise analyses are additional contributions based on disaggregated state level data from the recent two Censuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since there has been a gradual increase in the population aged 60 and older, a developing country like India is unable to cope with the needs and problems of its aged populations. While the government continues its efforts to introduce programs for the elderly, the nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have played a key role in bringing to the forefront the socioeconomic and health problems of older people in the society at large. This paper looks at the role of the NGOs through their various welfare activities and beneficial programs in carving out a place for the elderly in India. The work of HelpAge India is highlighted to examine how voluntary organizations have worked in the field of aging in India and made an impact on the lives of the senior citizens, especially those below the poverty line who are economically and socially deprived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is the second largest country in the world, with 72 million elderly persons above 60 years of age as of 2001, compared to China's 127 million. One of the objectives of this paper is to assess the emerging scenario of elderly for the first half of the 21 st century. According to projections, the elderly in the age group 60 and above is expected to increase from 71 million in 2001 to 179 million in 2031, and further to 301 million in 2051; in the case of those 70 years and older, they are projected to increase from 27 million in 2001 to 132 million in 205l. Among the elderly persons 80 and above, they are likely to improve their numbers from 5.4 million in 2021 to 32.0 million in 2051. The increasing number and proportion of elderly will have a direct impact on the demand for health services and pension and social security payments. Mobilizing resources for geriatric care and providing sufficient maintenance for the elderly will emerge as a major responsibility for heath-care providers and pension economists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with quantifying the resilience of a network of pavements. Calculations were carried out by modeling network performance under a set of possible damage--meteorological scenarios with known probability of occurrence. Resilience evaluation was performed a priori while accounting for optimal preparedness decisions and additional response actions that can be taken under each of the scenarios. Unlike the common assumption that the pre-event condition of all system components is uniform, fixed, and pristine, component condition evolution was incorporated herein. For this purpose, the health of the individual system components immediately prior to hazard event impact, under all considered scenarios, was associated with a serviceability rating. This rating was projected to reflect both natural deterioration and any intermittent improvements due to maintenance. The scheme was demonstrated for a hypothetical case study involving LaGuardia Airport. Results show that resilience can be impacted by the condition of the infrastructure elements, their natural deterioration processes, and prevailing maintenance plans. The findings imply that, in general, upper bound values are reported in ordinary resilience work, and that including evolving component conditions is of value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine patterns of self-reported diagnosis of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and prevalences of algorithm/measured test-based, undiagnosed, and untreated NCDs in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. Nationally representative samples of older adults aged ≥50 years were analyzed from wave 1 of the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (2007-2010; n = 34,149). Analyses focused on 6 conditions: angina, arthritis, asthma, chronic lung disease, depression, and hypertension. Outcomes for these NCDs were: 1) self-reported disease, 2) algorithm/measured test-based disease, 3) undiagnosed disease, and 4) untreated disease. Algorithm/measured test-based prevalence of NCDs was much higher than self-reported prevalence in all 6 countries, indicating underestimation of NCD prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Undiagnosed prevalence of NCDs was highest for hypertension, ranging from 19.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.1, 21.3) in India to 49.6% (95% CI: 46.2, 53.0) in South Africa. The proportion untreated among all diseases was highest for depression, ranging from 69.5% (95% CI: 57.1, 81.9) in South Africa to 93.2% (95% CI: 90.1, 95.7) in India. Higher levels of education and wealth significantly reduced the odds of an undiagnosed condition and untreated morbidity. A high prevalence of undiagnosed NCDs and an even higher proportion of untreated NCDs highlights the inadequacies in diagnosis and management of NCDs in local health-care systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Expenditure on medications for highly prevalent chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM) can result in financial impoverishment. People in developing countries and in low socioeconomic status groups are particularly vulnerable. China and India currently hold the world's two largest DM populations. Both countries are ageing and undergoing rapid economic development, urbanisation and social change. This paper assesses the determinants of DM medication use and catastrophic expenditure on medications in older adults with DM in China and India.Methods: Using national standardised data collected from adults aged 50 years and above with DM (self-reported) in China (N = 773) and India (N = 463), multivariable logistic regression describes: 1) association between respondents' socio-demographic and health behavioural characteristics and the dependent variable, DM medication use, and 2) association between DM medication use (independent variable) and household catastrophic expenditure on medications (dependent variable) (China: N = 630; India: N = 439). The data source is the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 (2007-2010).Results: Prevalence of DM medication use was 87% in China and 71% in India. Multivariable analysis indicates that people reporting lifestyle modification were more likely to use DM medications in China (OR = 6.22) and India (OR = 8.45). Women were more likely to use DM medications in China (OR = 1.56). Respondents in poorer wealth quintiles in China were more likely to use DM medications whereas the reverse was true in India. Almost 17% of people with DM in China experienced catastrophic healthcare expenditure on medications compared with 7% in India. Diabetes medication use was not a statistically significant predictor of catastrophic healthcare expenditure on medications in either country, although the odds were 33% higher among DM medications users in China (OR = 1.33).Conclusions: The country comparison reflects major public policy differences underpinned by divergent political and ideological frameworks. The DM epidemic poses huge public health challenges for China and India. Ensuring equitable and affordable access to medications for DM is fundamental for healthy ageing cohorts, and is consistent with the global agenda for universal healthcare coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Injuries have become a major public health concern. Recent data show that globally over 5 million people lose their life due to injury every year. Especially in low- and middle-income countries, people living below the poverty line are drastically scathed due to injuries. Objective: The objective of this paper is to find the magnitude and risk factors of fall among the elderly in India. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was done by using Google Scholar and PubMed. Results: The selected studies revealed that the prevalence of fall ranges from 26% to 37% across various regions, fall injuries are associated with poor vision, vertigo, imbalance, fear of falling, history of fall, presence of osteoarthritis, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and depression. This study has shown the risk of fall was higher among female elderly population. Conclusion: The major contributing factors for fall injuries are aging, visual impairment, previous history of fall, depression, and gait problem. Females have a higher risk of fall comparatively to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to validate a modified dried blood spot (DBS)-based glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) assay protocol, after a pretest in India showed poor correlation between the original DBS-based protocol and venous results., Methods: The original protocol was tested on different chemistry analyzers and then simplified at the University of Washington (UW). A second pretest was conducted in India to validate the modified assay protocol, using 44 quality control specimens., Results: Data from UW indicated that, using the original protocol, the correlation coefficients between DBS and venous results were above 0.98 on both Bio-Rad and Olympus chemistry analyzers. The protocol worked equally well on filter paper, with or without pre-treatment, and when the recommended amount of blood spot material, or less, was used. A second pretest of the modified protocol confirmed that DBS-based levels from both Olympus and Roche chemistry analyzers were well correlated with DBS results from UW (correlation coefficients were above 0.96), as well as with venous values (correlation coefficients were above 0.94)., Conclusions: The DBS-based HbA1c values are highly correlated with venous results. The pre-treatment of filter paper does not appear to be necessary. The poor results from the first pretest are probably due to factors unrelated to the protocol, such as problems with the chemistry analyzer or assay reagents., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Introduction: The recent development of robust indices to quantify biological aging, along with the dynamic epidemiological transitions of population aging generate the unmet need to examine the extent up to which potential interventions can delay, halt or temporarily modulate aging trajectories. Methods and analysis: The study is a two-armed, open label randomised controlled trial. We aim to recruit 166 subjects, aged 60–75 years from the residential communities and old age clubs in Bangalore city, India, who will undergo randomisation into intervention or control arms (1:1). Intervention will include yoga sessions tailored for the older adults, 1 h per day for 5 days a week, spread for 12 months. Data would be collected at the baseline, 26th week and 52nd week. The primary outcome of the study is estimation in biological age with yoga practice. The secondary outcomes will include cardinal mechanistic indicators of aging- telomere length, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNF-RII), high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP)], insulin signaling [insulin and IGF1], renal function [cystatin], senescence [growth differentiating factor 15 (GDF-15)] and cardiovascular function [N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP)]. Analyses will be by intention-to-treat model. Ethics & dissemination: The study is approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana University, Bangalore (ID:RES/IEC-SVYASA/242/2022). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant prior to inclusion. Trial registration number: CTRI/2022/07/044442. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Intergenerational Flow of Wealth Theory of J.C. Cladwell (1976), the decision of having high fertility in the developing countries is very rational from the point of view of the elderly. They are believed to truly act as a long-lasting support system to their parents when they get old in every aspect of life, but the scenario is changing rapidly. With rapid modernization of our society children are no longer the fixeddeposit of support of elderly even in a country like India. Isolation and helplessness have become the part and parcel of life of elderly even in modern India which adversely impacts their wellbeing. This paper is an effort to quantify the level of care and support provided by the children to the elderly of the country and how this quality of care finally affects their wellbeing through their subjective health. This paper has used the data of the recent large scale project of ageing conducted by ISEC, Bangalore and IEG, Delhi in sponsorship of UNFPA, India, named "Building Knowledge Base on Aging in India". The survey is conducted to develop a knowledge base in regard to the demographic, social and economic conditions, health needs and living arrangements and entitlements. Multinomial logit estimation is used to show the impact of socio-economic factors on the different care and support aspect and also on the wellbeing of the elderly. Marginal effect shows that quality of care and support to elderly is fast decreasing. With the expected bulge of elderly population in the coming decades, government must take some steps in advance to combat with this situation. In the light of empirical results, some policy prescription has been suggested for benefit of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Baseline expression of p16INK4a characterises cellular senescence. Similarly, the measurement of 1-Gamma-H2AX (1-H2AX) foci levels in cells provides a reliable method for quantification of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) damage. Aim: To explore the role of p16INK4a and 1-H2AX as biomarkers of senescence in skin tissue. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Anatomy, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Punjab, India from June 2022 to January 2023. Skin tissue was obtained from 30 cadavers, aged 20-90 years, from the anterior abdominal wall. The time duration of sample collection after death varied from six hours to 12 hours. Samples were divided into two groups: Group-I <30 years and Group-II >70 years, with n=15 in each group. The relative change in the expression pattern of p16INK4a and 1H2AX markers, as well as the microstructure of the skin (thickness of epidermis and dermis, distribution of collagen I/II/III fibres, architecture of sebaceous glands), were statistically analysed using an unpaired t-test. Results: Intense staining was observed with p16INK4a in Group-II, showing positivity in 60.75% of the cells, while Group-I depicted a weak staining pattern (15%). On immunostaining with 1-H2AX, only Group-II cells showed intense positivity (45%). Significant differences were observed in the epidermal and dermal thickness: Group-I (165.5267±37.73 µm; 2394.6±874.13 µm); Group-II (54.6±22.79 µm; 566.67±242.23 µm), and collagen Type-II/III fibres were found predominantly in aging skin tissue. Conclusion: The present study provides comprehensive data regarding age-associated changes between p16INK4a, 1-H2AX, and skin microstructure, which result in decreased repair and regenerative capacity of skin tissue and various age-related skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian population is ageing at a higher pace coupled with the increase in life expectancy, and the prevalence of cognitive impairment, dementia, and comorbidities increase dramatically with age. Such cognitive and physical changes are intimately linked with declines in everyday functioning that include loss of decision-making skills. The present study explored the relationship between socioeconomic and health status of older adults and their role in household decision making. The study used data from the "Building a Knowledge Base of Population Ageing in India" (BKPAI) survey conducted in 2011 (n = 9181). Descriptive statistics along with multivariate negative binomial and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. A proportion of 29.7% of older adults had no or partial involvement in household decision making and 26.5% of older adults reported that they had witnessed a decline in their role as decision-maker. The involvement of older adults in household decision making was 1.51 times lower among those who did not contribute money in household expenditure (incidence rate tatio (IRR):1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24, 1.84) than those who contributed. Respondents who had low cognitive ability (IRR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.37) or had more than one disability (IRR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.09, 1.47) were significantly 1.22 and 1.27 times less likely to have involvement in household decision making, respecctively. Older adults who reported low self-rated health (adjusted odds rati (aOR): 1.4; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.61), low general health (aOR: 2.85; 95% CI: 2.46, 3.31), low subjective wellbeing (aOR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.99, 2.64) and low IADL (aOR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.69) were significantly more likely to report a decline in the role as a decision maker compared to their healthy counterparts. Along with the poor socioeconomic characteristics, the negative effects of cognitive and health markers of ageing further diminish the role of older adults in household decision making. Further research in the field of familial role and importance of older adults in different family settings is required in tackling a wide range of issues related to the wellbeing of the aged population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multifarious dimensions of ageing in India can sociologically be thought to be a series of transition from one set of social roles to another and such roles are structured by the social system. It may be mentioned that the process of ageing is not uniform for all individuals in the society. Thus, changes in the life of the old age, which is considered to be the sanyas ashram of the Hindu ashram theory, is influenced by the biological as well as the social and cultural systems. However, in recent times, the status and role of the old population have been changed due to the technological developments that have colonized the outlook of the youths. The present paper uses secondary data to analyse how the recent developments have changed the concept of ageing in India [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the intricate relationship between the health status of the elderly and their labour market participation in rural and urban India. Data for the study are drawn from a nationally representative survey--the 1995/96 National Sample Survey. Using probit regression and propensity-score matching techniques, we found that chronic illnesses and disabilities negatively impact labour market participation across all model specifications and estimation techniques. The effect is stronger in rural than in urban areas.

India is the second largest country in the world, with 72 million elderly persons above 60 years of age as of 2001, compared to China's 127 million. One of the objectives of this paper is to assess the emerging scenario of elderly for the first half of the 21st century. According to projections, the elderly in the age group 60 and above is expected to increase from 71 million in 2001 to 179 million in 2031, and further to 301 million in 2051; in the case of those 70 years and older, they are projected to increase from 27 million in 2001 to 132 million in 2051. Among the elderly persons 80 and above, they are likely to improve their numbers from 5.4 million in 2021 to 32.0 million in 2051. The increasing number and proportion of elderly will have a direct impact on the demand for health services and pension and social security payments. Mobilizing resources for geriatric care and providing sufficient maintenance for the elderly will emerge as a major responsibility for heath-care providers and pension economists.

Any social action plan, scheme, or program for welfare or intervention can be formulated only on the basis of data generated by research findings. Empirical data forms the backbone of the formulation of policy. This paper outlines the summary of the Indian research effort in the area of aging. An examination of the research trends shows both strengths and weaknesses. The generation of large and varied pieces of data across disciplines is a strength, while the absence of methodological rigor, integration of research effort, and the building of theory are the lacunae. The needs of the elderly, elder-care issues, State vs. family care, elder abuse, interventional and action plan research are some areas that need accentuation. Documentation of data, creation of databases, and a national body for overseeing research are requirements that cannot be delayed any longer.

This paper investigates the influence of service aging on transformer insulating oil. Samples of 10 working power transformers of 16 to 20 MVA installed at different substations in Punjab, India have been taken. Various properties of transformer insulation oil such as breakdown voltage (BDV), moisture, resistivity, tan delta, interfacial tension and flash point have been measured using different national and international standards. In this paper, the various properties of insulating oil have been graphically presented with service aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayurveda considers Rasāyana as one of the foremost branches of Astānga Ayurveda and have rightly justifies its status by the place its given in the Ayurvedic treatises. The word Rasāyana should not be mistaken as a therapy exclusively related to old age. It can be applied from pediatrics to geriatrics. Suśruta defies Rasāyana as a measure, which prolongs and provides positive health, improves mental faculties and provides resistance and immunity against diseases. Caraka states that the means of obtaining optimum nourishment to the Dhātus are called Rasāyanas. This paper is dealt in two ways - components, which accelerate or trigger an early onset of aging and measures adopted to reverse them.

Highlights • Elderly being married, acquiring resources and, practicing higher social action enjoy higher degree of social capital. • Elderly with higher degree of social capital are seen to experience better quality of life and healthy aging. • Social capital is signifcanly associated to lowering functional limitation, depression among eldelry. • High access to psychological resources regarding controlling important things in life put profound impact on the quality of life. • Emerging need to highlight the component of social capital in framing policy for elderly in India. Abstract Background Lacuna in contemporary Indian academic research highlights the need to investigate the component of social capital and health outcome among elderly individuals in Indian context. Study endeavors to investigate prevalence of health indicators: self-rated good health(SRH), functional limitation, depression and quality of life(QoL) and the illustrative effects of social capital on elderly health outcome and QoL. Methods Nationally representative cross-sectional data from WHO Study on global AGEing and adults health (SAGE) India 2007 is used. Individuals aged 50+ are included where logistic regression is used to estimate the effect of social capital along with other co-founders on SRH, functional limitation, and depression. Linear regression model is used to analyse evaluates the impact of social capital with other co-founders on QoL among elderly. Results The multivariate analysis shows that SRH is associated with age, female, those having education, higher social-action with strong trust, safety and higher psychological resources. Depression among elderly is significantly related to age, gender, education level, higher wealth, strong sociability. QoL is inversaly related to age, gender, being muslim. A positive association of QoL is observed with higher education, having wealth, and strong social capital component like currently married, civic engagement, social-action, trust solidarity,and strong psychological resources. Conclusion The paper presents evidence that social capital significantly associated with SRH, lower depression, better functional health and higher quality of life. Hench forth policy makers should construct social policy where elderly feel safe and trusty surrounding, that can involved them into main stream as a productive resource of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As low income societies are aging rapidly, government and families face challenges to support the seniors, who are already at greater risks of being negatively affected by many other social, cultural, and global changes occurring around them. This paper reviews some of the major challenges faced by seniors in China, India, Mexico, and African countries. It also examines some of the sustainable solutions to these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of study: Altered biomechanics of knee due to ageing & osteoarthrosis may affect ROM of knee rotations. Aim: 1) To compare ROM of knee rotations in asymptomatic subjects & patients with knee osteoarthrosis. 2) To find out co-relation between knee rotations & knee outcome survey score. Methodology: study design: Cross-Sectional study sample: 50 study setting: Physiotherapy department, Pravara rural hospital, Loni Inclusion Criteria:- Age 50-70 yrs. Gender both males & females Group A - asymptomatic subjects without any low back, hip, knee & ankle pain. Group B - diagnosed osteoarthrosis patients stage III on Kellgren and Lawwrence scale exclusion Criteria: Patient with history of fall and blunt trauma over Back, lower limbs. Patient with chronic and acute low back pain. History of any surgery of lower limb. Patient with any knee joint pathology like osteomyelitis, chondromalacia patellae, bone tumour. Result:. Statistical analysis was done using Unrelated 't' test which showed significant difference (p<0.05) between medial rotation symptomatic & asymptomatic subjects. There is significant co-relation (p<0.05 & r=0.7) between ROM of medial rotation & KOS score, with decrease in medial rotation, KOS score decreases. Conclusion: Medial rotation decreases in osteoarthrosis knee patients as compared to Asymptomatic subjects. Reduced medial rotation causes increase in disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring healthy ageing for the Indian population is a major challenge awaiting its policymakers, particularly as older persons comprise an increasing share of the population. Given the country's inadequate health and social security system, support provided to the elderly by their families is crucial in determining the health status of older persons. In this context, the increasing integration of the Indian economy with global markets is expected to have complex effects, eroding traditional family structures while simultaneously creating new economic opportunities, which in turn may enhance the economic independence of older persons. Based on data collected in 2004 during the all-India survey of the National Sample Survey Organization, this paper examines the impact of economic independence and family support on the perceived health status of elderly. The results are controlled for demographic and socio-economic variables, such as age and per capita income. Ordered logit regression models are estimated for the all-India sample, classified by gender and place of residence. Subsequently, the model is re-estimated for major Indian states. The study finds that economic independence has a positive impact on perceived health status, while support from a spouse constitutes the major (if not the only) form of family support. This study provides important pointers for policymakers. Among other things, it highlights the importance of the joint family system and lifelong social and physical activity in ensuring a healthy ageing process, as well as the need to strengthen the bonds between older persons and subsequent generations through integrated inter-generational relations, two-way flows and interactions, and the education of younger generations on the symbolic role of elderly persons within the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]