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Background: Worldwide, some one million people pass the sixty year old threshold every month (Ageing, WHO). Between 2010 and 2050, the number of older people in less developed countries is projected to increase. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in Outpatient clinics (OPD) of two hospitals in Karachi from April to May 2013. Elderly (> 60 years of age) visiting the clinics were consecutively recruited. 477 elderly were approached and a pretested, structured questionnaire was used to obtain information. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19 and Pearson chi-square test was used to identify the factors related to choosing of "Old Age Homes". Results: A total of 400 participants were selected. Fifty-five percent of the elderly were in between 60 to 65 years of age and majority was males 54.8 percent. Elderly were aware of the presence of "Old Age Homes" in Pakistan, however only 7 percent choose to live in there. The main reason was found to be that the elderly did not want to go away from their families and loved ones. Conclusion: In conclusion, majority of the participants felt insecure to live in a home with strangers. However, "Old Age Homes" were preferred choice for those with chronic diseases or those living alone. Media should initiate public education programs to reduce social stigmas in seeking alternate long-term care services outside of the family.

Background: Increasing modernization and mechanization have turned the life into fast pace and it has devastating effects on the health of the people.Objective:To identify the perceptions of patients regarding fast pace of life and its impact on health.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at out-patients department of two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan; from January to March 2013. A total of 401 participants aged > 18 years were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS 19.0 and multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify impact of fast life.Results: Out of total 401 participants, 55% of the patients were between 21-35 years of age and majority was females (75%). Majority of the participants was suffering from fast pace life (82%) and main reasons for fast pace life were competition and the increasing needs of the family. Those who were suffering from fast pace life were at risk of affecting their physical health (AOR: 2.6; 95% C.I:1.3-5.2), social life (AOR: 2.1 95% C.I:1.0-4.5), psychological wellbeing (AOR: 2.4; 95% C.I:1.2-4.5) and are more susceptible to stress and depression (AOR: 4.6; 95% C.I:2.3-9.3).Conclusion: This study found that majority of urban population is suffering from fast pace of life with severe consequences on its physical, social and mental health. The society seems to be speeding up and becoming less empathic and increasingly stressful. This will have delirious effects on physical and mental health of people in the decades to come. Therefore, it is important for people to take time out for themselves and their families to keep themselves fit for survival in this fast moving world.