Health of the aged among the Andro lois of Manipur, India

Abstract

Ageing from sociological and anthropological perspective is seen as a series of transition from one set of social roles to another which is structured by the social system rather than mere biological one. However, the biological and psychological concept of ageing is deniable. Ageing thus is a lifelong process, which is shaped by the cultural institutions and history of the individual. With advancement in ages, the biological function of the body and social roles changes and considered ageing is a time of multiple illness and general disability, thus seems "old age in itself is an illness” true. With all the changes in the body the capabilities of the individual changes and in older aged the capabilities changes and start depending entirely on others, i.e. on the family members in Indian scenario. In this paper, I would like to discuss the health, health seeking behaviour and social condition of the aged among the Chakpa lois of Andro in Manipur, using case studies and an elaborate narrative of the elders and the care givers.