Population ageing and disability among tribal elderly in West Bengal, India

The prevalence of disability in activities of daily livings is higher among Indian elderly as compared to other ageing countries in Asia. This study provides an overview of the prevalence of disability by gender and region (rural and urban) among the tribal elderly in West Bengal, India. Cross-tabulation method was employed to examine the pattern of tribal ageing disability in all 19 districts of West Bengal. Based on Census 2011 data, the study showed that prevalence of disability among tribal elderly was significantly higher than general elderly population. The study also validated the low socio-economic and vulnerable condition of the ethnic groups in different districts of the State. The governments should implement the public health policies to reduce the burden of disability by providing healthcare services, education and social and economic security particularly to the rural tribal elderly disabled people for their better quality of life.