A Study to Assess Level of Stress Among the Elderly in Selected Old Age Home at Meerut- A View to Develop Information Booklet Regarding Stress Management

Background With India’s elderly population growing rapidly, stress among older adults, particularly those in institutional settings, is emerging as a major public health concern. Elderly individuals residing in old age homes often experience stress due to factors such as health deterioration, social isolation, loss of autonomy, and inadequate support systems. Chronic stress can lead to physical and psychological ailments, reducing the overall quality of life. This study was undertaken to assess the stress levels of elderly individuals residing in selected old age homes and to develop an informational booklet aimed at educating them about stress management techniques. objectives To assess the level of stress among elderly residents in selected old age homes in Meerut. To find the association between stress levels and selected demographic variables. To develop and provide an informational booklet on stress management techniques for the elderly. methodology A descriptive research design with a quantitative approach was adopted. A total of 100 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above, residing in selected old age homes in Meerut, were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured socio- demographic questionnaire and the standardized Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Following the data collection, a validated informational booklet on stress management was developed and distributed to participants. results The study revealed that 40% of participants experienced high stress, 38% had moderate stress, and 22% reported low stress. A significant association was found between stress levels and variables such as age, gender, financial dependency, and family visitation frequency. The development and distribution of the information booklet served as an educational intervention to promote awareness and coping mechanisms among the elderly population. Conclusion The findings indicate a considerable prevalence of stress among elderly residents of old age homes. The study highlights the need for regular psychological assessments and the implementation of supportive educational tools, such as stress management booklets, to improve coping strategies and enhance emotional well-being. The informational booklet provided was a feasible and effective step toward addressing mental health challenges in the geriatric population.