Elderly Care In Indian Cultural Context

Abstract

According to the report, Aging in the 21st Century: A Celebration and a Challenge
submitted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and HelpAge International (October
2012), 80% of the world's older people will live in developing countries. It is important to note that
in 2010 there were 23 aged economies; by 2040 there will be 89. The report further points out that
over 1/3 of world's older persons will live in China and India, and India will be the home to 1 out of
every 6 of the world's older persons by 2050. The elderly form 8% of India's population. This
translates to over a 100 million people above the age of 60 years. The 2001 Census highlighted the
feminisation of the elderly population in India. For women, being female has meant a lifetime of
discrimination at home and elsewhere which continues even in old age. Approximately 66% of
elderly women are fully dependent on others; 32% do not own any assets of their own.
The WHO report further points out that Aging is taking place alongside other broad social trends
that will affect the lives of older people. Economies are globalizing, people are more likely to live in
cities, and technology is evolving rapidly. Demographic and family changes mean there will be
fewer older people with families to care for them. People today have fewer children, are less likely
to be married, and are less likely to live with older generations. With declining support from
families, society will need better information and tools to ensure the well-being of the world's
growing number of older citizens.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance to devise ways of taking care of the elderly citizens and situate
the caregiving process in Indian context.