摘要：Old age is generally a closing period in one’s life span. Old age bring about a wide
variety of problems. During the old age physical and psychological function declines. There is a
decline in intellectual activity, social activity and physical health. The needs and problems of the
elderly vary significantly according to their age, socio-economic status, health, living status and
other such background characteristics. The present study is an attempt to study the physical needs
and adjustments made by the elderly. The sample comprised of 100 elderly people (50 men and 50
women) of Jammu city in the age group of 65 years and above. Purposive Sampling Technique was
employed for sample selection. Interview Schedule was framed to collect the required information and
Observation method was used to cross check the information given by the respondents. Results of
the study revealed that majority of elderly men and women lived in joint families. Majority of the
respondents were satisfied regarding their financial position. They had enough money to look after
their needs. Majority of both elderly men and women liked to watch T.V in leisure time. Men liked to
read newspapers and women preferred reading religious books. . Majority of the respondent were
facing the health problems like joint pains, failing vision, high blood pressure and diabetes. The
finding revealed that the elderly were looked after by their spouses when they fell ill. It was observed
that though most of the elderly were living in joint families still the spouses looked after each other
when they fell ill this may be due to the growing generation gap.
