Introduction: The prevalence of obesity has been rising, adding to morbidity and mortality. As the proportion of elderly aged 60 years and above grows, so too the prevalence of obesity among this population. Obesity in the elderly is a rapidly growing public health concern as it contributes to significant changes in the health of older people. Objective: This review aims to assess the contributory factors for obesity in the elderly over the past decade. Methods: A literature search was conducted. The search was restricted to articles written in the English language published from 2008 to 2018. Qualitative studies were excluded. Results: A total of 19 full articles were retrieved, of which 18 cross-sectional and one cohort were included. The contributory factors were divided into three components: (a) socio demographic characteristics, (b) medical history and dietary factors and (c) environmental factors. Conclusions: This review informs an emerging knowledge regarding contributory factors for obesity and has implications for future education and program intervention in fighting obesity in the elderly.

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Background: Anaemia is a major public health problem in elderly persons which is often overlooked. With rising urbanization and world is facing demographic transition, there is a need to increase focus on elderly residing in urban slums. Aim: The present study aims to find the prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among the elderly population in an urban slum of Meerut. Methodology: The present study conducted in an urban slum of Meerut from November 2017 to January 2018. The sample size was calculated as 396, considering the prevalence of anaemia as 45.5% in this age group. Haemoglobin levels were estimated using paper chromatography methodby hemoc-heck rapid diagnostic kit. Data were compiled and analysed using epi info software version 3.7.2. Results: 49.5% of the elderly residing in urban slums were found to be anaemic. The anaemia in the elderly was found to be significantly associated with employment, socioeconomic status and chronic diseases like COPD, hypertension and Tuberculosis.

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Objective (Background): Despite the scientific advancements, acceptance of hearing-aids remains poor in persons with hearing impairment in the elderly age group. The attitudinal issues play a significant role in their decision to use hearing aids or not. The purpose of this study was to understand the reasons for non-compliance and acceptance of hearing-loss and hearing-aids. Methods: In this questionnaire-based survey study, the Punjabi-language speaking elderly persons having hearing-impairment were identified into two groups, current-user and non-user of hearing-aids. A questionnaire prepared in the Punjabi language was administered, which consisted of twenty questions with a five-point rating scale. It yielded scores in five subscales that probed the social and emotional impact of hearing loss, denial, stigma, manual dexterity. The responses of the participants were then analysed. Result: A total of seventy-four questionnaires were completed. Average time of 9.63 minutes to complete one questionnaire. The mean age of respondents was 67.05 years. Of these, 45.95% were current users, and 54.05% were non-users of hearing aids. The subjects in both groups had a sensorineural hearing loss of moderate to a moderately-severe degree. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed. On average, the non-users had higher scores on the emotional impact of hearing loss, denial, and stigma subscales. Conclusions: The factors responsible for non-usage of hearing-aids by the persons with hearing-impairment were a stigma associated with the hearing aid usage; denial of hearing loss; and emotional impact of hearing loss. Both, social impact of hearing loss and poor manual dexterity were not limiting factors for non-compliance in hearing-aid users.

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Aims: To evaluate the outcomes of heart failure in the elderly (60 years or older) by Short Physical Performance Battery scores at six months of discharge. Methods: One hundred elderly patients with heart failure were evaluated at discharge, at 3 and 6 months after discharge by Short Physical Performance Battery. Results: Of the 100 patients discharged from hospital, mean age was 65.13 ± 6.3 years, 65 percent were males, Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was present in 77%, and 26 (26%) had died by six months. Readmissions were mainly due to acute decompensated heart failure or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease exacerbations. There was a good correlation between Short Physical Performance Battery and Ejection fraction. The Short Physical Performance Battery scores were low at discharge but improved over six months in those who were alive. All those who died at six months had a baseline Short Physical Performance Battery score of 6 or less. Conclusion: The Short Physical Performance Battery can identify heart failure patients at discharge who have a high risk of short term mortality. A multi-disciplinary intervention may be useful in improving outcomes.

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