2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A

author(s)
Priya, Sabreena Rasool, Safiya Jan, Shabir Ahmed, Vijay Laxmi and Wani Adil Hussian

abstract
Background: Aging is a natural and continuous biological process that leads to gradual physiological, psychological, and social changes in an individual. Elderly refers to the individuals who have reached advanced stage of life, typically 60 or 65 years and older. Older adults may seek attention from busy family members, leading to feelings of insecurity and vulnerability. They are more vulnerable to mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Financial difficulties and shifting family values can worsen their distress, sometimes resulting in their placement in old age homes. In such settings, they face challenges like adjusting to strict routines, lack of social support, separation from family, and frequent exposure to illness and death. This can lead to feelings of powerlessness, low self-esteem, and many emotional problems. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to assess the emotional problems among the elderly residing at selected Destitute Home of Distt. Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab in a view of developing an information booklet. Design and Methods: A non-experimental descriptive research design was employed for this study. The Destitute Home selected for the study was Prabh Aasra Village Padiala Distt. Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 100 elderly of age 60 years and above to assess the emotional problems through Socio – demographic profile and self-structured questionnaire. Collected data was analysed. Result: The findings indicated that 60% of the elderly in the destitute home experienced moderate stress, 72% had moderate anxiety, and 71% reported moderate loneliness, with none suffering from severe emotional issues. Only physical activity levels and marital status were found to influence anxiety, while socio demographic variables such as age, gender, education status, marital status, number of children, dietary habits, length of stay, reasons for residing in the home, and frequently experienced emotional problems did not impact levels of stress, or loneliness. Conclusion: The study found that most elderly residents in the destitute home experienced moderate levels of stress (60%), anxiety (72%), and loneliness (71%), with none suffering from severe levels. Socio-demographic factors did not influence stress or loneliness, while marital status and physical activity levels affected anxiety. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions, including social engagement and mental health support. Encouraging physical activity may help manage anxiety levels. Addressing emotional well-being through structured programs can enhance their quality of life. Further research is needed to develop effective coping strategies.