Paper short abstract:

The major focus of this paper is to highlight relationship between nature and quality of life of the elderly persons inhabiting in tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh

Paper long abstract:

The tribal people are globally distributed except in European continent, highly concentrated in African continent and the second being India. They follow distinct life style and culture marked with love for music and dance, spiritualism, religion and traditions . They comprise 4 per cent of the world's population. In India their proportion is 8.2 per cent as per 2001 census. The tribal area of Himachal Pradesh is entirely hilly and cold dry zone and comprise 42 percent of total Geographical area of the state. The geographical isolation and tough environment makes life hard but full of adventure. The tribal people throughout the world have witnessed a dramatic increase in human longevity. They generally live in forest and hills where fresh air, pollution free environment, use of medicinal herbs for treatment, fresh water, use of organic food, better climate coupled with overall socio-economic development have positive impact on their quality of life. Local medicine like Shilajit which has anti-aging and anti-toxidant properties is very popular among them to gain strength and reduce stress. Some species of flora and fauna found in this area are used for halting the anti-aging process. Basic concern of this to explore relationship between nature, environment and quality of life of the aged living in tribal areas of Kinnaur, Lahul & Spiti and Chamba. Another aim is to understand role of the state in improving quality of life of the tribal aged. Findings and suggestions are discussed.