Old Age Homes
The Elderly in India: And We Keep Neglecting…
Human nature is funny. People take great trouble to preserve relics from the past as some kind of evidence of history. Millions of dollars (or whatever currency is politically correct post-Recession) are spent in restoring heritage buildings, archaeological expeditions and museums. We are paranoid about our glorious past and so we need proof that it had existed at some point. While man-made heritage is preserved, people seem to give two hoots about caring for living heritage in itself.
Human nature is funny. People take great trouble to preserve relics from the past as some kind of evidence of history. Millions of dollars (or whatever currency is politically correct post-Recession) are spent in restoring heritage buildings, archaeological expeditions and museums. We are paranoid about our glorious past and so we need proof that it had existed at some point. While man-made heritage is preserved, people seem to give two hoots about caring for living heritage in itself.
We
must protect an old building because it is a symbol of a rich, living history
but it is perfectly acceptable to throw out an old relative because he or she
has lost any form of material utility. India is a perfect example of such an
attitude.
After
a point, even having enough money is not enough to guarantee you a roof. Many
elderly people have been rendered homeless after having been thrown out of
their houses by their family members, including their children. Some of them
had even been well off. India does not have an ageing-friendly environment at
all. There is neither any infrastructure, nor any support system to ensure
their well-being. Even the Maintenance Act which was passed to ensure that
parents have the right to demand support from their children, has been quite a
recent phenomenon.
The
main problem lies in the fact that there is absolutely no support system for
the old in the country. Neither is there any social security, nor any form of
community support.
Old Age Homes:
Bane or boon?
A DECADE ago, there were hardly any old age homes, barring a few run by the Christian missionaries (orphanages) or the state government. Now every where we see old age homes of all types: for poor, orphans and destitute, pay and stay basis run by individuals, senior citizens associations, NGOs and trusts and the government social welfare department. While many provide shelter and food for older persons, others provide assistance to the physically disabled or bed-ridden individuals. Some old age homes attached to hospitals also offer full fledged geriatric care.
A DECADE ago, there were hardly any old age homes, barring a few run by the Christian missionaries (orphanages) or the state government. Now every where we see old age homes of all types: for poor, orphans and destitute, pay and stay basis run by individuals, senior citizens associations, NGOs and trusts and the government social welfare department. While many provide shelter and food for older persons, others provide assistance to the physically disabled or bed-ridden individuals. Some old age homes attached to hospitals also offer full fledged geriatric care.
Then the
question arises whether such elder homes are a bane or a boon in present
changed circumstances. This question was posed to a group of about 450 senior citizens
that were a part of a Yahoo Web group called Sss-global. Some 20 senior
citizens responded and here is the consolidated opinion of our elders:
Boon
- For senior citizens who are neglected, dumped, abused
- For parents whose children are abroad or outside their city
- For those who lack family support due to some reason
- Strained relationships between senior citizens and their son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws
- For those living alone, widows and widowers
- For those without children or anyone to look after
- For those who cannot carry on with daily chores like washing, cooking, etc by themselves
- For those who have to pay the charges, fees of pay and stay elder homes
- For those who run old age homes on fully commercial (read: exploitative) basis
They are a boon
also because old age homes call for adjustments and learning from other inmates
However, while
living in an old age homes, one has to adjust oneself with the rules and
regulations of such homes such as specific meal timings, food habits, servant’s
behavior, attitude, etc.
Enjoy other
inmates company without getting offended by their habits and attitudes. A
person who has lived in a boarding school or hostel may find it easier to get
along and adjust in the new environment.
Bane
It is a bane
when senior citizens are forced to live in old age homes despite having their
own children.
Mushrooming
of old age homes will only make children give up their responsibilities and
send their parents to such homes.
Some moot
points that emerged are given below:
- It is the responsibility of parents to groom children in Indian culture to take care of elders
- It is a shame to live in old age homes when one’s children are there
- Parents should teach their kids to be responsible in life
Old Age Homes In India
The dream of the people all over the world to live long lives is
now becoming a reality due to the socio-economic development of people and
advancement in sciences, particularly medical sciences. In India about 7.5% of
the population is above 60 years and the life expectancy is increasing
gradually.
Old age was never a problem in India. Old age homes were alien in
concept and elder abuse was considered a Western problem. Not any more. As life
expectancy has increased from 41 years in 1951 to 64 years today, hundreds of
old age homes have sprung up in India. Neglect of parents has become a big
issue, so much so that the Indian government has passed "The maintenance
and welfare of parents and senior citizens bill 2006", which makes it
imperative for adult children to look after their parents.
Healthy ageing is not only related to the advances in medical
technology but also to a wide range of other factors like enabling the aged to
lead a stimulating life, being fully involved in society and having meaningful
social relationships.
Today's "post-retirement complexes" have a whole range
of built-in facilities like 24 hour medical service, a book-shop, bank and post
office facilities etc. Some of the high-end complexes also offer open theatres,
trips to places of common interest etc for their inmates. But these are only
for the elite section of the aged who have the resources to enjoy such
facilities.
As the role of families as a social safety net for the elderly is
fast eroding, the poor among the elderly have become the most vulnerable
sections of society in India. The Indian government is waking up to meet this
challenge head on.
Old age homes are a necessity in the present day scenario as the
younger generation do not have the time or in many cases the resources to meet
their needs (like medical expenses, special food etc). But old age homes should be considered only as a secondary option.
Elders in the family are definitely an asset. It is they who can impart the
much needed ethical values and code of conduct in the younger generation. Old
age homes as an option should be considered only for the betterment of the
senior citizens by way of better physical and mental status, greater
possibility for social bonding etc. Under
no pretext should the aged be made to feel that they are a burden and hence
turned away. Builders can also consider allocating a few houses for the
senior citizens within an integrated township (at subsidized rates), so that
the feeling of isolation goes away while proximity to dear ones is maintained.
"Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change
the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Change Begins with you
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Note: views are personal.