Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Pulmonary diseases remains a major health problem among the elderly over the last decade. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with its increasing prevalence rate.The present study aims to evaluate the occurrence of pulmonary abnormalities and its concomitant factors among a group of elderly women. The study includes total 261 elderly women of age 60 years and above, living in slum areas of Kolkata, India. The standard protocols are used to collect spirometry and anthropometric data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses are conducted to satisfy the study objectives. The majority of the participants show FVC and FEV1 below the predicted level that indicates presence of mild to moderate pulmonary abnormality. Socio-demographic constituents of the study group show higher prevalence of COPD among young-old age group and having person per room ratio greater than 2.5. Body fat percentage is found to be inversely related with FVC, FEV1 and FEV1%. The poor living conditions and few other associated factors are indicative of developing respiratory problems among elderly individuals.