BIO-SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE AGED PATNI COMMUNITY LIVING IN NORTH NARAINPUR AND MOHANPUR VILLAGES OF HAILAKANDI DISTRICT, ASSAM

Abstract

Ageing is defined as a progressive loss of physiological integrity leading to functional impairment and an increased likelihood of death. Globally and in India, ageing populations face rising health challenges, like malnutrition, chronic illness, and functional decline, necessitating early intervention and supportive care. The main objectives of the present study are to understand the socio-demographic profile of the aged Patni community, to know their current morbidity and nutritional status, and to assess the risk level of sarcopenia through grip strength. The study focused on elderly (60+ years) individuals from the Patni community in North Narainpur and Mohanpur villages of Hailakandi district, Assam, totalling 156 respondents. The ageing Patnis are educationally and economically backward. Among the respondents, women (58%) predominated, facing higher widowhood, illiteracy, and dependency. Most of them live in joint families. Men (42%) work marginally, while women are mainly homemakers or mat-makers. Nutritional status was assessed via BMI and MNA; sarcopenia risk was measured by handgrip strength. Statistical analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel. Acute morbidity, like fever, increased with age, while chronic conditions were prevalent in digestive (58%) and cardiovascular (42%) conditions, and in females, cardiovascular (37%) and digestive (35%) in males. Nearly 99% of females and 87.69% of males were malnourished or at risk. Sarcopenia risk rose with age, peaking at 86.7% among females and 81.8% among males in 75+ years. Males showed significantly higher anthropometric and grip strength values, indicating gender disparities in ageing-related health risks. Overall, the study highlights severe age and gender disparities among the Patni elderly, with women facing greater health, nutrition, and economic challenges. It calls for urgent, gender-sensitive, community-based support and inclusive ageing policies.