Author(s): Dr. Sangeeta Rani

Abstract:
The aged (60+) represent about seven to eight percent of the population, most of them living below the poverty line. The aged in the unorganized sector like agriculture workers, casual workers and landless labourers are in economically family responsibilities and unharmonious relations are the major problems needs of the family and their personal requirements they have to work as long as they live. Moreover, the problems become more complicated when their children start neglecting them and elderly people face phycho-social problems coupled with economic and health problems. The present study was carried out in Muzaffarpur rural areas.150 respondents (70 men and 80 women) in the age group 60-90 years were selected randomly. The structured schedule was used to collect information regarding name, age, date of birth, their marriage age, education, occupation, income, caste and address. The basic measurements of elderly people are weight and height for anthropometric assessment. Overweight were found more in women while obese were seemed more in older men. It is also clear from the table that majority (n=52) of the older suffering from sleep disturbance, It is also found that blood pressure and sugar problem is the other major health/weight problem. 32.86 percent of them suffering from aging process, while 41.43 percent and 25.71 percent suffering from body composition and metabolism process respectively. It is concluded that sleep disturbances among older persons are frequently reported and are associated with increasing number of respiratory symptoms, physical disabilities, non-prescription medications, depressive symptoms and poorer self-perceived health.