Abstract

                The present research study aims to shed light on the changing pattern of Gender disparities in morbidities and healthcare use among older adults in India. The right to health is a fundamental right of every human being leading to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. Health and Human rights have explicit intrinsic connections and has emerged as powerful concepts. Aging brings in its fold innumerable problems to the aged, especially women. Older women are more likely to be widowed, poor and suffer vulnerability. The women suffering from chronic ill health and disability are a reflection of the low status of women in society. The source of data was National Sample Survey Office unit level data for the 71st and 66th rounds, 60th rounds. About 60 per cent of the elderly depends on others for their day-to-day maintenance while less than 20 per cent elderly women and the majority of elderly males were economically independent. Amongst the economically dependent, 85 percent of men and 70 percent of women were supported by their children. A significant number of elderly, especially females, are confined to home. Overall, morbidity prevalence was significantly greater among single older women compared to single older men with a corresponding gender ratio of 1.13 (p, 0.001). The prevalence of communicable diseases was lower among single older women compared to single older men with a corresponding gender gap of 0.87 (p, 0.001). The prevalence of non-communicable diseases was significantly greater among single older women by 18% (p, 0.001) compared to single older men.

Key words: Gender disparity, morbidities, health care, health seeking behavior, older adults