“A Study to Assess the Psychological Problems Experienced by Geriatrics Living in Old Age Homes at Coimbatore”.

Authors

M. Ambika

M.Sc (N), Department Of Community Health Nursing, HOD Of Community Health Department And Department Of Midwifery And Gynaecological Nursing Associate Professor, RVS College of Nursing, Coimbatore (India)

Prof. Dr. R. Sivamathi

M.Sc (N), Department Of Community Health Nursing, HOD Of Community Health Department And Department Of Midwifery And Gynaecological Nursing Associate Professor, RVS College of Nursing, Coimbatore (India)

Prof. S. Sabitha

M.Sc (N), Department Of Community Health Nursing, HOD Of Community Health Department And Department Of Midwifery And Gynaecological Nursing Associate Professor, RVS College of Nursing, Coimbatore (India)

Article Information

DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2026.1315PH00028

Subject Category: Nursing

Volume/Issue: 13/15 | Page No: 1460-1462

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-01-27

Accepted: 2026-02-02

Published: 2026-02-12

Abstract

Ageing is often accompanied by psychological challenges such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Elderly individuals residing in old age homes are particularly vulnerable due to separation from family, loss of independence, and social isolation. The present study aimed to assess the psychological problems experienced by geriatrics living in selected old age homes at Coimbatore.
A descriptive research design with a quantitative approach was adopted. The study was conducted among 30 elderly residents aged 60 years and above using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule comprising socio-demographic variables and standardized tools such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
The findings revealed that a majority of the elderly experienced mild to moderate levels of depression and anxiety. No significant association was found between psychological problems and selected demographic variables. The study highlights the need for early identification and appropriate mental health interventions for elderly individuals living in old age homes.

Keywords

Geriatrics, psychological problems, depression, anxiety, old age home.

Downloads

References

1. World Health Organization. Mental health of older adults. Geneva: WHO; 2017. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. World Health Organization. Ageing and health. Geneva: WHO; 2021. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Pilania M, Yadav V, Bairwa M, et al. Indian J Community Med. 2019;44(2):90–97. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Sharma P, Raina SK, Bhardwaj AK. J Geriatr Ment Health. 2019;6(1):15–20. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Singh A, Misra N. Int J Nurs Res. 2020;6(3):112–118. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Kumar SG, Majumdar A, Pavithra G. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(2):122–126. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Beekman ATF, Copeland JRM, Prince MJ. Review of community prevalence of depression in later life. Br J Psychiatry. 1999;174:307–311. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Yesavage JA, Brink TL, Rose TL, Lum O, Huang V, Adey M, et al. Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale. J Psychiatr Res. 1983;17(1):37-49. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Sheikh JI, Yesavage JA. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): Recent evidence and development. Clin Gerontol. 1986;5(1–2):165–173. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Russell D, Peplau LA, Cutrona CE. The revised UCLA Loneliness Scale: Concurrent and discriminant validity evidence. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1980;39(3):472–480. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles