Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to identify the common physical changes associated with aging in all cultures

Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to compare the similarities and differences in physical status of elderly in in India and U.S.A

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In all traditional eastern cultures,children were considered to be the assurance for parents when they get old.At present this assumption does not seem to have validity even in such cultures.Due to various socio-economic,familial and cultural changes in the society,today's young are focused on self advancement rather than family obligations.As elder care is becoming more burdensome for families in the eastern culture,elders are forced to choose residential facilities for their care and stay.This practice was a norm in western societies but eastern societies are also following this path.This cross cultural study focuses on institutionalized elders of India and United States.Physical status including activities if daily living,Diagnoses and conditions of institutionalized elders of India and USA are measured.Minimum Data set items were used to measure the physical status.Data analysis include descriptive and inferential statistics and case studies.The result indicate both similarities and differences in physical status of elders living in two countries with different cultural and social background.Need for regulatory agencies and policy implications are discussed.