A Study on Socio-Demographic and Nutritional Status of Aged Tribal People Communities: A Review

Abstract

The Indian subcontinent is dwelling to a significant tribal population termed as the “Adivasi,” who have not been embraced by modern society. Approximately 104 million Indians are 60 years of age or more. With a population of 296.6 million by 2050, this group would represent 20% of the nation’s overall population. The old tribes (ST) made about 12% of all tribes in West Bengal. Over half of West Bengal’s tribal population, or 51.8%, are members of the Santali a tribal member group. Purulia, Bankura, West Medinipur, Bardhaman, and Hooghly are the districts in West Bengal where a significant number of Santals resides. In India, tribal people are the most marginalized community. They are disadvantaged in terms of their sociodemographic profile, diet, and overall health. A person begins to age naturally at birth and continues to do so steadily until they pass away. Tribal elderly people are more susceptible than non-tribal elders in terms of sociodemographics, diet, and overall health. Elderly indigenous people are skilled at creating handcrafted bamboo and reed baskets and mats, despite the fact that they retire from a variety of activities. But in the present day, aged tribal members are additionally affected by a number of illnesses. The health and nutritional standards of aged tribal people are impacted by a lack of education, sanitary facilities, income, and unhealthy habits. Aged tribal people are increasingly suffering from a variety of non-communicable diseases and poor nutritional status. Tribal elders are living off of poor diets, as evidenced by their low intake of all nutrients and increased rate of undernutrition.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199651579.2026.24-45