Elderly Women in Old Age Homes - A Situation Analysis

Abstract

The rise in institutional care of the elderly is a serious concern in India. With the rapid aging of Indian population, there is substantial increase in people having chronic health conditions who require individualised care. With current trend of increased nuclear families, industrialisation, urbanisation and migration the elderly population remains unwanted and isolated. Against this backdrop, government and non- governmental organisations established old age homes to provide care and support for these elderly who had to leave their own homes due to several problems. Since elderly women far out -number elderly men due to their higher life expectancy, social condition of elderly women constitute a major area of contemporary research. After spending long years of active family life, ‘confinement’ in institutions in an aloof environment causes many psycho-social problems that hinder their quality of life. They become more dependant, socially isolated, and immobile or bed-ridden not only due to chronic health conditions, but also due to psycho-social factors, diminishing social and family support and changing life situations. This article is based on a study conducted among elderly women in old age homes. The study was conducted by the author as a minor research project funded by the University Grants Commission, Government of India.