Background:The psychological morbidity of the geriatric people is very common. There are different socio-demographic factors affecting the psychological health of elderly, which have not been studied in detail in India. Objective: The present study was framed to fi nd out the association of different socio-demographic factors with the psychological morbidity of the elderly. Materials and Methods: It was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Municipal area of Tarakeswar, Hooghly District, West Bengal, India among the geriatric people using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured schedule to collect the socio-demographic data. General Health Questionnaire-28 was used to collect data regarding psychological morbidity. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. Results: It was revealed that only 29.4% of the respondents scored within normal range. Multiple linear regression taking total as well as domain-wise scoring as dependent variable revealed that increasing age, female sex, illiteracy, fi nancial dependency on other family members, not living with spouse, and poor socio-economic status are signifi cantly associated with psychological morbidity. Conclusion: Overall mental health condition of geriatric people is not good. Proper rehabilitation measures have to be taken by family members, society, and government like engaging them in light activities of their interest, old age pension scheme or forming self-help group among elderly, which would result in making them happy.

Objectives:To assess the prevalence of hypertension among geriatric population and to find out its association with socio demographic parameters, non communicable diseases and level of daily activities.Methodology:Community based cross sectional study was conducted among geriatric population of Tarakeswar town, India. 402 persons were selected from total 2258 elderly persons by systematic random sampling and data was collected using pretested questionnaire followed by physical examination. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 16.0.Results:53.5% respondents were hypertensive. Prevalence of hypertension was significantly more among higher age group (p=0.031). Hypertension was also associated with Diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), cardiovascular diseases (p<0.001), cerebrovascular accidents (p<0.001) and obesity (p<0.001). 38.46% hypertensives were not under medication. Practice of taking antihypertensive medicines was significantly lower in lower income group (30.8% versus 80.6%; p<0.001) and illiterates (34.0% versus 74.8%; p<0.001). Activities of daily living for self-maintenance and level of satisfaction over life were significantly lower among hypertensives.Conclusion:More than half of the elderly are suffering from hypertension. Most of the hypertensives are suffering also from other diseases, resulting in significant reduction of daily activities and compromised satisfaction over life. Hypertension, being a treatable ailment, leaves a space for intervention to reduce these geriatric morbidities.