A Study to Assess the Health Care Utilization Pattern of Elderly Rural Population of Mangalore

Background: The Indian aged population is currently the second largest in the world after China. In India, as per 2001 census the population of elderly was 76.6 million as compared to 20 million in 1951.1 The absolute number of 60 years and over in India will likely to increase to 137 million by 2021 (United Nations,2003). Urbanization, modernization and globalization have changed the traditional concept of family in India, which was to provide social support to ill, dependent and older family members. Over the years, urbanization has led to change in the economic structure, diminishing societal values, weakening the importance of elders in the family. As a consequence of which the older generation is caught between the decline in traditional values and absence to adequate health, care and social security. This study puts in an effort to assess the health care utilization pattern of elderly population of rural population of Mangalore. Aims and Objectives: To assess the health care utilization pattern of elderly population of rural population of Mangalore. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Mangalore and 11 neighbouring villages utilizing the health services of Rural field practice area, Department of Community Medicine, Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences. Results: 89.8% of the elderly subjects didn’t have any difficulties in utilizing health care services. Conclusion: Majority of the people are utilizing and are very happy with the services provided