Anemia in the Elderly Residing in a South Indian Rural Community

Anemia is defined as a reduction in the body’s red cell mass 1, reflected in a reduced oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. The World Health Organisation criterion for the diagnosis of anemia is a level of hemoglobin below 13gm/ dl in males and 12 gm/dl in females . A 10-year prospective study in Europe has shown an increased risk of mortality among a group of elderly community residents when hemoglobin levels were lower than the standards prescribed by the WHO, thereby validating the WHO cut-off levels.The prevalence of anemia among the elderly, as reported in the Indian cross -sectional studies, varies between 6 and 30% among males and between 10 and 20% among females. Population-based studies in Great Britain have reported prevalence figures ranging from 5% to 25%, while other Western studies report a range between 8% and 44%, with the highest prevalence in men aged 85 and older. Studies indicate that the prevalence of anemia increases with advancing age 6. The present study was aimed at documenting the health and social profile of the elderly residing in rural South India with a view to initiate an appropriate targeted interventional programme in the community.