Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment of Rural Elderly of Odisha – Results from a Community-based Survey

Abstract

Abstract Background: India is progressing toward an increasing trend in of the geriatric population. By 2050, it is expected to double from 10.8% to 20%. A decrease in functional and locomotor activity among the geriatric population impairs the process of healthy aging. Methodology: The study assessed the fall risk, frailty, and limitation in the activity of daily living among the individuals aged 60 years or more in rural area of Khordha district in Odisha. The cross-sectional study with 188 participants in a rural area assessed the functional ability of the elderly with Fall Risk Assessment Test Scale, Clinical Frailty Scale, and Katz Index. Results: The study reported that 11.7% (confidence interval [CI] = 7%–17%) were medium to high risk of fall, 24% (CI = 18%–30%) were mildly frail, 29% (CI = 22%–36%) were vulnerable, and 10.6% (CI = 6%–15%) had limitation in the activity of daily living. Age, difficulty in vision, decreased sleep duration, and chronic disease were significant determinants of the limitation in the functional ability of the elderly. Conclusion: Elderly population are at higher risk of fall, increased frailty, and limitation in activity of daily living. Comprehensive geriatric assessment, including the physical, psychological, and nutritional assessment, needs to be integrated to meet the health-care needs of the elderly in primary health care.