%0 Journal Article
%T Health and Nutritional Status of the Elderly Indian Huntergatherers (Kurichia Tribe) Living in Wayanad, Kerala State, India
%A K.K. Reddy
%A K.S.N. Reddy
%A P. Venkatramana
%A T.P.K. Reddy
%A A. Papa Rao
%J Journal of Society and Communication
%D 2012
%I 
%X Though the elderly population size is increasing across the communities, the health and nutritional status of the elderly in India, and in huntergatherers, in particular, remains largely unstudied. The objective of the present study is to assess the health and nutritional status of the elderly (¡İ60 years) huntergatherers (Kurichia tribe), whose longevity is exceptionally high. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the biochemistries, anthropometry, self rated health, prevalence of morbidity and demographics. Of 97 subjects (males=54, females=43), Illiteracy accounts for 63 to 85 percent in both genders and majority belongs to social class 3-4. 60 to 63 percent of the elderly perception about their self rated health is good, followed by fair (32 to 35%). Only 5 to 6 percent of the elderly opined that their self rated health as poor. Morbidity is low when compared to other contemporary populations. Males were taller and heavier than females, but the difference in body mass index is insignificant. No sex differences were observed in blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. A downward trend in the mean level of body mass index and hemoglobin is observed from good self rated health to poor self rated health.  In contrary both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels tend to increase from good self rated heath to poor self rated health. The CHD risk factor prevalence rate are, obesity; 2%; hypertension; 2% in males and 6% in females.  Underweight is recorded to an extent of 50%.  The findings reveal that low prevalence of CHD risk factors and good self rated health is directly related to the community¡¯s well being and healthy longevity.
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