Ageing in India

Issues and Prospects

Abstract

The whole world is ageing. But what is different in ageing at developing nations like India where family ties, culture and religious influences are still visible. Do these family ties and traditions are still able in maintaining the Quality of life of senior citizens? Does the rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization plays any role in changing the life-styles of elder generation? What is the position of aged, in terms of health, nutrition, housing and care giving? Does all these going in a positive direction or is in a way of deterioration. Keeping these issues in mind; the present study was conducted in Aligarh District of U.P. with an objective to identify the basic problems of senior citizens in the present context. The study also aims at identifying the initiatives which are required for improving the Quality of Life of elder generation.

The study was exploratory in nature. The data was collected by using case study method with an intention to highlight each and every aspect of senior citizen’s life. Analysis of data gathered from case studies indicates some interesting findings. First, Senior citizens belonging to lower income group or are totally dependent considers their old age as a ‘curse’, whereas , those belonging to higher income group or are able to do their activities of daily living are still enjoying their old age. For them, old age is a period of freedom from responsibilities whereas other considers it as a period of struggle. Second; senior citizens, irrespective of their income, preferred living in their own home and with their close ones rather than living in any old age home. Third, health is the most common sector which affects almost every senior citizen and hence needs special concern and focused interventions. Hence, for the improvement in the overall quality of life of senior citizens; the stakeholders including the state, central government, NGOs and younger generation needs to join hands. In addition, social security measures needs to be strengthened so that India’s elderly enjoy successful and healthy ageing