Do we require homes for the aged in India?
-By Manoj
Today, the rate of aged couples staying alone is increasing approximately 30% of them are forced by circumstances to live alone. Then they are murdered. The spate of murders of elderly people living alone have again raised the questions of having old age homes where one can live without having the risk.
There are some people who have no one to look after them. Society of ours have undergone major changes. The changes have created the need for old age homes. Sometimes, the elders are neglected, abused, and discarded. In such cases the old age homes become the ultimate solace for them. The people living in metros have small spaces, so in cramped spaces it becomes difficult to keep the elders. Hence they are considered unwanted and burdensome.
But on the other hand a home cannot be substituted by any old age home. These are merely temporary houses. Moreover, elders have not discarded objects who can be thrown at their own convenience. Elderly people are assets of our society, they can be included in purposeful activities. Their wisdom and experience can be communicated to benefit the younger generation. The little adjustments on the part of older and younger generation can eradicate the need for old age homes.
In our country the tradition is to respect and regard our elders. How can we leave them at the mercy of other agencies? But exceptions are always there like sometimes the elders do not have anyone to look after or live with, as their children away from home town due to demands of job or childless couple. Then the option left is old age homes or their being thrown to the risk of security. So better seems the old homes. But again the problem is all cannot adjust to life or routine of these homes. They regret losing their privacy, independence and become depressed.
Hence, the old age homes are sort of necessary evil. Required and at the same not of Indian tradition or culture.
