A STUDY OF ELDERLY CARE IN VARYING

FAMILIAL PATTERNS

THESIS
SUBMITTED TO
THE UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU
FOR THE AWARD OF

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN
HOME SCIENCE
(HUMAN DEVELOPMENT)

Supervisor Investigator
Prof. Neeru Sharma Deepti Salotra

POST GRADUATE DEPARTMENT OF HOME SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU
JAMMU – 180 006
2011

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 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that, DEEPTI SALOTRA, Ph.D Scholar has worked for her
degree of Philosophy in Home Science (Human Development) under my supervision
on the topic “A STUDY OF ELDERLY CARE IN VARYING FAMILIAL
PATTERNS”. This work is original and worthy of consideration for the award of
Ph.D degree in Home Science (Human Development). She has fulfilled the statutory
requirement for submission of thesis for evaluation.

I further certify that:

(a) the thesis embodies the work of the scholar herself;

(b) the candidate has worked under my supervision for the period required
under statutes;

(c) the conduct of the research scholar remained satisfactory during the period
of research; and

(d) the candidate has put in the required attendance in the department during
the period of research.

Supervisor

Prof. Neeru Sharma

Head of Department
P.G. Department of Home Science
University of Jammu
Jammu.

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 DECLARATION

The author of the present thesis, namely Deepti Salotra declares that the

work reported in this thesis has been done entirely by her under the supervision of

Prof. Neeru Sharma, P.G. Department of Home Science, University of Jammu,

Jammu. No part of this work has been submitted so far, in part or full for a degree in

any other University.

Dated : Deepti Salotra

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I would like to express my deep heart felt gratitude to GOD
with whose blessing, I was able to see the dawn of the day. I would like to place on
record my gratitude to all people who have helped and inspired me during my
doctoral study.

At the outset, I am extremely grateful to my Research Guide Prof. Neeru

Sharma, Head, Post Graduate Department of Home Science, University of Jammu,
whose encouragement, supervision, guidance and timely criticism at every stage of my
work have been responsible for the completion of the study. No words can fully convey
my feelings of respect and regards for her.

It is with a sense of esteem and great respect, I owe my indebtedness to Prof.

Rajni Dhingra, Post Graduate Department of Home Science, University of Jammu,
for her able guidance and moral support through out the research period. I also
acknowledge my Sincerest thanks to Dr. Shashi Manhas, Dr. Samridhi Arora, Dr.
Sarika Manhas, Dr. Nirojini Bhat (UGC visiting faculty member) of the Post
Graduate Department of Home Science, for providing me constant support throughout
my study.

I extended my whole hearted thanks to all my friends and research scholars

especially Dr. Sumati Vaid, Dr. Manpreet Kour and Saima from Post Graduate
Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, for providing me moral support
throughout my study. I extended special thanks to all non- teaching staff members of
the Post Graduate Department of Home Science especially the librarian Mrs. Ranjana
Kapoor for extending their good wishes in my research work.

I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Manish Sharma,

(Associate Professor), SKUAST Jammu, for his constant support, encouragement and
valuable suggestions during my research work. Special thanks are also due to Dr.
Anju Thappa, (Sr. Assistant Professor), Department of Hindi, Directorate of Distance
Education, for the approval of the tool applied in the study, and Dr. Sandeep Tandon,

4
(Reader), Department of Commerce, Directorate of Distance Education whose
generous help and logistic support went a long way in the successful culmination of
this study.

I thank all the staff members of various libraries (ICSSR, New Delhi, Central
Library, University of Jammu, Library of P.G. Department of Sociology and
Departmental Library of P.G. Department of Home Science) visited in suppor for
collecting material for review.

It is with immense pleasure that I take this opportunity with the blessing of God
Almighty that I express my deep sense of gratitude from the core of my heart, to my
mother, Mrs. Ansuya Salhotra, my brother Vinod, and brother-in-law Rajan Bhasin
and sister Nidhi Bhasin, who kept cheering me up at times when the path was totally
lost and by whose support I have been able to do whatever I have done and enabled
me to transform my dream into reality.

I am indebted my husband, Mr. Sandeep Kocher, father-in-law and mother-in-

law, who were always there to encourage me in this quest. I wish to put on record my
sense of profound love to my son Suvansh Kocher, without his cooperation provided
me with time, the study could not have completed.

I am greatly indebted to my Father who will always remain in my heart as

burning lamp of motivation toward hard work. May their soul rest in peace and
always show me the path towards wisdom.

I extend my hearted thanks to all those who remained in shadow but have
helped me in the completion of my work.

I gratefully acknowledge my sincere thanks to the elderly and their family

members for providing their willing support and required and information to conduct
my study. I am also thankful to all the NGO’s of Jammu District, run for the welfare of
Aged people. Behind every piece of work there are numerous support, who provide
assistance and encouragement at every step. I thank all those invisible people who
might have contributed in any way during the course of this work.

5
 Last but not the least I would like to thank Divaker Prabhakar, Vikas Gupta
and Sunil Dutt for his patient attitude and for typing the thesis with accuracy and
sincerity.

(Deepti Salotra)

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 ABSTRACT

Today’s global economy and the simultaneous fast pace changes in the living
arrangements of the Indian family have affected the family’s solidarity and competence in
providing care to all its members. The present study was conducted to know the various
familial patterns in which aged are living in Jammu city ; to study the psycho-social profile of
the aged in context of these varying familial patterns ; to assess life satisfaction in relation to
the available familial support systems ; to assess the perceptions of the family towards aged,
ageing process and the adjustments required both by family and aged and to understand the
needs of families caring for the aged ; to know the role of NGO’s in the area of geriatric care
in Jammu District and to conduct an intervention based on identified needs.
To know the various familial patterns in which aged are living, a survey was
conducted in different areas of Jammu city and its urban outgrowths. From the survey 300
family units (150 aged males and 150 females) were identified having one of its members in
the age group of 60 years and above. Fifty children and fifty grandchildren of these aged
members were also identified during the survey. Care was taken to include families with
varying patterns and those who have been living in Jammu for the last 30 years. NGO’s were
also included to know their role in the area of geriatric care in Jammu District. Multistage
sampling technique was adopted to identify the sample.
The tools used for data collection were – Observation, regarding the living patterns
and the familial inter – personal relationship in context of aged ; Interview Schedule for aged
and their family (Children and Grandchildren) ; Socio–Economic Status Scale ; Shamshad–
Jasbir Old Age Adjustment Inventory (SJOAI); Life Satisfaction Scale and Interview Guide
for NGO’s. The data was subjected to both content and statistical analysis. Interview
schedule and Observations were analyzed for their content. Statistical analysis was also
done, using mean, standard deviation, percentages, t-test and Coefficient of correlation,
wherever appropriate.
Amongst the total sample (n=300), 150 elderly were living with support and 150
elderly were living alone. Ten varying familial patterns were identified in which elderly are
living in Jammu. Among these 10 varying familial patterns ‘two’ of the patterns are based on
Couples i.e. Couples living alone and Couples living with children; in ‘two’ patterns either of
the single surviving spouse are living alone; ‘four’ patterns are based on the surviving
spouse in different settings i.e. Widowers living with married sons or married daughters;

7
Widows living with married sons or married daughters. The other ‘two’ family patterns are
based on aged males who are living alone while their spouses are living with their married
children staying outside Jammu and a few Widowers who are living with friends.
The results reveal that most of the elderly were in the age group of ‘young old’ (65-69
years), with low to medium level of education (6th–12th standard), and mostly falling in
‘middle class’ on SES scale. The elderly perceive age by chronology, physical strength and
‘empty nest’ feeling. They feel that they themselves had taken good care of their parents but
their own children are unable to do so due to lack of ‘time’, ‘concern’ and ‘superficiality’.
They want their children and grandchildren to respect them and spend time with them. The
elderly were partially satisfied with their lives. Majority of the respondents would not like to
live their life again if given a chance as they feel that they don’t have the patience to face the
crisis once again. They perceive that after retirement, a person is not as much respected as
before.
In-depth interviews and discussion with elderly show that many aged parents do not
expect any ‘care’ from their married sons. They do not receive financial support from their
married sons and many of them have no source of pension. Most of the elderly show
satisfaction with the available familial support while many of them are dissatisfied with it,
especially the lack of ‘concern’ shown by the married sons who, they believe, perceive them
as burden.
Among elderly living with support system and those living without support, significant
positive correlation is observed between life satisfaction, adjustment (SJOAI), and education
level of the aged, whereas negative significant correlation is observed between SES and Life
Satisfaction across both types of living arrangements of elderly. Age and SES show negative
significant correlation among elderly living without support. In the areas of health and
marital adjustment of elderly, significant differences are observed in the mean scores of both
these groups.
Significant gender differences are observed in the dimensions of adjustment (SJOAI),
and life satisfaction of elderly living with support system and those living without support.
Males (in general) score higher than females in all the dimensions of adjustment and life
satisfaction. In context of available support system, elderly males who are living with support
system and males living without support show significant difference in the area of marital
adjustment. No significant difference is observed among elderly females living with or
without support.

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 Regarding familial relationships with aged parents, results reveal that there is a
discrepancy in the views of older generation and younger generation, which has led to
decrease in congenial familial interaction. The issues of adjustment required by the family
and aged have been indentified in the areas of personal, financial, emotional and security.
The family need time, money and energy for care of their elderly parents and they find the
aged ‘demanding’ and less respecting towards them.
Very few non–governmental organizations are actively working for the welfare of
elderly in Jammu District, though Help-Age India is actively working for, and providing them
services like pensions and social security, geriatric and home care, mobile medicare unit and
barrier - free residential environment.
Based on the findings, an intervention was planned for daughters’- in - law and grand
daughters’ using “Group Approach” for improving inter-familial relationships with elderly
parents and grandparents. The policy implications that are derived from the present study
are at individual, familial, societal and governmental level like- formation of self–help
groups, involvement of elderly in the family and community affairs (depending upon their
physical capacity), yoga, meditation, spiritual workshops, opening up of recreational centers,
which are a few positive approaches meant for adding life to the ‘grey years’ and also helpful
in making harmonious relations of the elderly with their significant others.

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 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS

Ageing Process – Neugarten observes “ageing is shaped by the individual past, his

childhood, adolescence and adulthood. It bring new situations, new problems and calls for

new adaptations. Ageing process include the feelings and attitudes of young people towards

older adults.

Family Patterns – The term ‘family patterns’ or living arrangements is used interchangeably

to refer to the household structures.

Adjustment – Adjustment process is a way in which the individual attempts to deal with

stress, anxiety, tensions and conflicts to meet his or her needs.

Geriatrics – Geriatrics is a branch of the medicine pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and

prevention of disease in the elder population.

Elderly – According to WHO, a person who is 65 years consider as ‘elderly’ or older person.

Urban Area – Urban areas include the Jammu city and its urban outgrowths.

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 CONTENTS
CERTIFICATE
DECLARATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.
NO.
1. Introduction 1-7
2. Review of Literature 8-41
3. Research Methodology 42-51
4. Results and Discussion 52-147
4.A. Results 52-132
4.B. Intervention 133-137
4.C. Discussion 138-144
4.D. Policy Implications 145-147
5. Summary 148-150
References 151-162
Annexures

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 LIST OF TABLES
Table No. TITLE Page

No.

4.1 Showing family patterns of the Elderly living in Jammu city 52

4.1.1(a) Showing the demographic profile of the elderly living in varying 55

familial patterns

4.1.1.(b) Showing perception of the elderly regarding the process of “ageing” 57

4.1.1.(c) Showing perception regarding change in health condition of elderly 61

4.1.1(d1) Showing perception of change in utilization of time after retirement 63

4.1.1(d2) Showing perception of change in the status of aged after retirement 66

4.1.1(e1) Showing attitude of the elderly towards life 69

4.1.1(e2) Showing perception regarding measures for ‘good quality of life’ of 72

elderly

4.1.1(f) Showing Adjustment Level of Elderly 75

4.1.1(g) Showing Level of Life Satisfaction of Elderly 75

4.1.1(h) Showing difference between socio-demographic variables, areas of 77

adjustment and life satisfaction level of elderly living with support

system and elderly living without support

4.1.1(i1) Relationship between socio–demographic, areas of adjustment and life 79

satisfaction level of elderly living with support system

4.1.1(i2) Relationship between socio-demographic variables, areas of 82

adjustment and life satisfaction level of elderly living without support

4.1.1(j1) Showing gender differences in areas of adjustment and life satisfaction 85

level of elderly living with support system and living without support

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4.1.1(j2) Showing gender differences in areas of adjustment and life satisfaction 87

level of elderly in context of available support system

4.1.1(j3) Showing across gender differences in areas of adjustment and life 89

satisfaction level of elderly living with support system and living

without support

4.1.2(a) Showing perception of elderly regarding interaction with children 91

4.1.2(b) Showing perception of elderly regarding interaction with 94

grandchildren

4.1.3(a) Showing financial support provided by children to elderly parents 98

4.1.3(b) Showing familial and financial support during their illness 101

4.1.3(c) Showing satisfaction of the elderly regarding care provided by children 104

4.2.1(a) Profile of children of the aged sample 107

4.2.1(b) Perception of children regarding ‘Ageing’ 108

4.2.1(c) Showing interaction of children with aged parents 109

4.2.1(d) Showing support provided by aged parents to their children 111

4.2.1(e) Showing perception of children’s satisfaction regarding support 112

provided by the aged parents

4.2.1(f) Showing care provided by children to their aged parents 114

4.2.1(g) Showing perception regarding issues of adjustment between family 116

and aged parents

4.3.1(a) Demographic profile of Grand children 119

4.3.1(b) Showing perception of grandchildren regarding “Ageing” 120

4.3.1(c) Showing grandchildren’s relationship with their grandparents 121

4.3.1(d) Showing perception of grandchildren regarding measures for ‘good 124

quality of life’ of grandparents

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 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure TITLE Page

No. No.

4.1 Varying Familial Patterns of the Elderly living in Jammu City 53

(Urban)

4.2 Percentage distribution of males and females living in varying 53

familial patterns

4.1.1 Kind of help aged need from children and grandchildren 58

4.1.2 Perception regarding change in health 62

4.1.3 Perception regarding change in utilization of time after retirement 64

4.1.4 Perception regarding change in status after retirement 67

4.1.5 Views of elderly regarding best period of life 70

4.1.6 Reasons for preferring childhood 70

4.1.7 Reasons for availing government facilities 74

4.1.8 Adjustment Level of Elderly 76

4.1.9 Life Satisfaction Level of Elderly 77

4.1.10 Showing aged and family’s agreement regarding issues 92

4.1.11 Perception of elderly regarding financial support provided by 99

children

4.1.12 Perception of Elderly regarding care provided during illness 102

4.1.13 Sources of elderly for taking money for medicines 103

4.1.14 Perception regarding care provided by children 105

4.1.15 Reasons for not expecting care from children 105

4.2.1 Kind of interaction with aged parents 110

4.2.2 Children’s expectations regarding support from aged parents 113

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4.2.3 Satisfaction of children regarding support provided by aged parents 114

4.2.4 Needs of family members for taking care of aged parents 117

4.2.5 Perception of children regarding contribution of aged parents in 118

meeting their needs

4.3.1 Perception of grandchildren regarding enjoyment of the company of 122

grandparents

4.3.2 Perception of grandchildren regarding reasons for disrespect of aged 124

persons

5.1 Showing Benefits of Intervention 137

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 LIST OF FLOW CHARTS
Flow TITLE Page

Chart No. No.

3.1 Sampling Framework 42

3.2 Sampling Technique 45

3.3 Tools used for the study 46

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THE PAIN AND DISAPPOINTMENT OF ELDERLY PARENTS WHOSE

CHILDREN LEAVE THEM ALONE, IS EXPRESSED IN THE

FOLLOWING POEM

Loss of contact with a loved one

Is a never ending ache

Why inflict this type of torture

On those who laboured for your sake?

‘Never learned to write’, you say

Too busy working to stay alive

Now you marry, love a loved one,

She can write, made contact today

The lost years cannot be re-lived

Changes happen every day

But broken hearts can be repaired

Communicate today…….

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 INTRODUCTION
“Elderly are the doors of past and;
Windows of the future” Manu Smriti

In the developed world, chronological time plays a paramount role. The age of 60 or
65, roughly equivalent to retirement ages in most developed countries is said to be the
beginning of old age. Other socially constructed meanings of age are more significant such as
the roles assigned to older people; in some cases it is the loss of roles accompanying physical
decline which is significant in defining “old age” (Gorman, 2000). The UN has not adopted
a standard criterion, but generally use 60+ years to refer to the older population (United
Nations, 2001).
In recent years, ageing of population has become a global phenomenon. The average
increase in the life expectancy has led to the increase in the proportion of persons above 60
years and decrease in the share of children and youth in the total population. Elderly or old
people have never been considered a problem but it is ageing of population i.e. population
above 60 years of age that has alarmed the demographers. The population of the elderly
persons is continuously increasing in the overall general population. (Census, 2001).
The 2001 Census has shown that the elderly population of India consists of 28 States
and 7 Union Territories accounted for 77 million. In 1961, the elderly population was only 24
million; it increased to 43 million in 1981 and to 57 million in 1991. The proportion of the
elderly persons in India has risen from 5.63 percent in 1961 to 6.58 percent in 1991 and 7.5
percent in 2001(Rajan and Sharma, 1999). In Short, India is dooming towards a greying
future (Rajan, 2006).
At the macro level numerous changes have taken place in the Indian society as a
whole. Colonization of the Indian society had exposed it to new cultural values and belief
systems with subsequent erosion of the economic roots. This process led to concomitant
echoes in the social and cultural fabric of the Indian society. After independence, India
vigorously moved on to the path of social progress and economic development.
Industrialization, physical separation of parents from the adult children as a result of rapid
urbanization and age selective rural urban migration affected the family’s solidarity and
competence in providing care to all its members. The notion that the family may look after its
aged members gradually started losing meaning and reverence due to ongoing socio-
economic and demographic changes. It has also been reiterated by Gangrade (1999) that
Indian society however, had been undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of

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industrialization, urbanization, commercialization, individualism etc. The change in the
pattern of production and consumption ultimately has an effect on the micro unit of the
society i.e. the family, and home in the roles and relationship of its members.
Intergenerational relationship and the role of women in the family are changing which
has an affect on the care of the aged in the family. Aged in the family used to get a special
attention from the women, particularly the daughter-in-law. As the son was responsible for
the aged parents in the traditional Indian family system, so was his wife who became the
caregiver. With the improvement in education and increase in economic demands of the
family, women have stepped out of the bounds of the home and traditional roles. This has led
to a change in the role expectations from elderly who would have other wise, retired in this
age. Now they are required to actively engaged in child and home care as the daughter-in-law
goes out to work. This has also resulted in breakdown of traditional joint family, when such
living arrangements do not work.
The term ‘living arrangement’ is used to refer to one’s house hold structure (Palloni
2001). Rajan, Mishra and Sharma (1995) explain living arrangements in terms of the type
of family in which the elderly live, the headship they enjoy, the place they stay in and the
people they stay with, the kind of relationship they maintain with their kith and kin, and, on
the whole, the extent to which they adjust to the changing environment. Living arrangement
is an important component in dealing the welfare of any specific group.
The analysis from National Sample Survey Data on living arrangements of elderly
(2006) shows that around 5 percent of the elderly in India were living alone and 12 percent
were living with their spouses. 44.7 percent were living with spouse and others and around 32
percent of the elderly were living with children. A higher number of females were living
alone in both rural and urban area compared to their male counterparts. The analysis shows
that around 19 percent of the young old were either living alone or with spouse only. Among
the old-old (70 years and above), 80 percent were widows compared to 27 percent widowers.
The survey also noted that aged females residing in urban areas were mostly dependant on
others, received support from their children or grand children. About 14 to 15 percent of the
elderly depend on their spouses.
Today’s global economy and simultaneous fast pace changes in the living
arrangements of the Indian family have put to test the long held traditions, values and belief
system of the yester years. The elderly regards family residence as the most secure place, as
observed by Biswas (1994). Care of the elderly, in Indian society, has been one of the
primary functions of the family system since time immemorial. Living with male children is
19
the most preferred living arrangement for the elderly in India. An opinion survey of the
elderly in India reveal that an overwhelming proportion desire family residential
arrangements during their old age. (Kumar, 1997). But it is widely known that the erosion of
the traditional norm whereby the elderly generally live with children or relatives reduces the
well being of the older population (Palloni, 2001). The changing values and life styles due to
urbanization is resulting in increasing intergenerational distance and decreasing family
cohesiveness. However, in the wake of nuclearisation of family structure, the elderly seem to
have been deprived of certain needs which are not adaptable to them (Rajan et al, 1995).
The social forces have not only disrupted the traditional social life of the elderly, but also led
to the desertion of elderly by their children migrating to urban centers or cosmopolitan cities.
The out migration of younger members for better prospects may not be affecting the family
structure as such, but they add to social, economic, psychological and emotional insecurities
of the elderly. Due to extended physical and emotional separation of children, parents find it
difficult to manage the household chores or tasks and the upkeep of the property (Cherian,
1990). Moreover, the elderly parents are besieged with a host of other problems like poaching
on property, unmanageable workers and failing health (Nayar, 1992).
With the increasing number of young people moving to other areas, the elderly are not
only experiencing a residential segregation but also experiencing a feeling of alienation,
social segregation and inversion of status. Those elderly who prefer to move with their
children are also affected by adjustment problems. When the aged accompany the young to
cities, a different problem arises. The elderly feel rootless in the urban environment. Hence, it
can be argued that the parents are at the mercy of their sons and as and when they become
grand parents, the chances for future support is very low. Even the elderly who live with their
immediate families also experience the weakening of emotional bonds (Bhogle and Reddy,
1996). Lack of control over economic resources of the family, failing health and increasing
dependency, reduces the control of elderly over other members of the family. There is a
growing degree of negative attitude towards the elderly among the younger generation. As a
result, even when the older person continues to live with children, interpersonal relations are
likely to be more strained and often brittle (Prakash, 1997). Thus the welfare of the elderly,
even in the normal family situation, is likely to be a problem. As a result, caring the elderly is
fast becoming a problem. What was previously a duty has become an obligatory burden
today. This naturally makes the aged feel that they are becoming a burden on adult children,
which again increases the feeling of stress in them.

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 In addition to the above living arrangements and adjustment problems of elderly,
Widowhood is one of the major factor, which affects one’s adjustment and mental health
(Jamuna, 1992). Widowhood makes an important difference to the quality of older people,
particularly older women. For Indian women, widowhood is the most traumatic transition
encountered in the life course. In this context, it is to be noted that Indian widows are
described as socially marginalized, ritually inauspicious, and cruelly stigmatized (Prakash,
1997). The bitter experiences of widowhood depend on several factors, such as socio-
economic status, family status, health status and social network support. Adjustment
problems in widowhood should also be seen in relation to the demographic trend and change
in the living arrangement. Moreover, the social life space of the elderly may shrink due to
retirement, widowhood, death of friends, and separation of children. This becomes more
intense when they are forced to accept institutional life. The elderly do not want to be
segregated, but prefer to remain integrated in the network of social relationships. This pointed
out to a basic issue in modern gerontology: ‘integration versus isolation’ (Venkoba Rao,
1991).
Traditionally, grandparents were considered as an important resources for their adult
children and grand children. They routinely provide child care, financial assistance and
emotional support and moral values to grand children. They also provided important stability,
predictability and be a healthy role model for their grandchildren. But in modern industrial
societies where youngsters have different lifestyle form the grandparental or even the parental
way of life, they have to make independent choices and enter unfamiliar role unanticipated by
their parents. The situation is painful for many older people who have for decades played the
role of decision makers and at many times feel lost in their own homes or families. This
adversely affects their psyche perpetuating the feeling of despair and loss of wisdom to the
younger generation. Empirically it has been proved that despite nuclearization of families and
changing attitude and outlook of younger generation, no institution or agency is still
considered important other than the family by the old people whether residing in nuclear or
joint family system. In situations like these the older people acutely feel the frailty and futility
of their life. The care of the aged in varying familial patterns is emerging gradually as a major
familial issue in the contemporary scenario as the moral and material values are fast changing
in the rapid modern urbanized world. The aged find themselves at the cross road of life where
neither institutional arrangements are available for them nor family has enough resources and
time to provide holistic care and support them. The present research makes an attempt to
document the variations in the existing familial living patterns from the perspective of both
21
the aged and their families. Studies point out to dearth of data on Indian ageing and elderly
care in India especially from a bi-directional perspective.
JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
Studies reviewed so far have been conducted mostly on the psycho-social profile of
the aged from their own perspective. The perspective of the family and community has been
lesser researched. The studies limit themselves to studying only joint or nuclear families, not
taking into account the intermediary patterns that may have emerged over the period of time
because women have started working outside the home they were the traditional careers for
old (WHO, 1999).
One such study conducted by Bhalgotra (1997) on “Senescence Problems and
Management” in Jammu, was based on the objectives to study: the psycho-social and the
socio-economic problems of the aged in the sample population; to compare the institutional
and non-institutionalized aged persons and to provide suitable suggestions for the betterment
of the aged under the existing situation. The results of the study show that there is a dire need
to consolidate and strengthen the family bonds which are now breaking with the passage of
time. According to WHO report (1999), Mental Health of older persons is influenced not just
by ageing changes in the body and brain but by socio-economic and psychological factors.
With urbanization, families are becoming nuclear, smaller and are not always capable of
caring for older relatives. There is a strong cultural pressure to ‘look after’ the parents in the
family. It is desirable to strengthen this ‘familialism’. With modernization of the country,
older values are being replaced by ‘individualism’. The family’s capacity to provide quality
care to older people is decreasing. Efforts should be made to revive cultural values and
reinforce the traditional practice of interdependence among generations. Families need help
in caring for the older persons. Thus, reinforcing the existing ‘familism’ may be the only
feasible option (WHO, 1999). Hence there is need for understanding how families who have
to care for the elderly feel about the aged, ageing process and the adjustments required
therein. An understanding and analyzing of the internal dynamics of the family, the changes
there in and the resultant consequences have received little attention from researchers.
Chakraborti (2004) while talking about “Population Ageing in context of Asia” argues that
India’s Policy makers need to urgently take up the cause of the elderly in order to create an
environment that insures them against various risks and allows them to maintain as much
economic independence and self-sufficiency as possible without disturbing the
intergenerational balance. At the micro level, the potential of the individual itself and family
need to be strengthened while at the macro level, the government as well as the NGO’s or
22
voluntary organizations can enthuse in the institution of family, a level of confidence and zest
for living by creating infrastructure facilities to facilitate older person’s rehabilitation and
adjustment process in the changed scenario. Institutionalization of elderly should be viewed
as the last option and any alternative arrangement for an elderly living other than with his /
her family members seems to be a partial solution. (Rajan et al, 1995).
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To conduct a survey in order to know the various patterns of the aged living in Jammu
City.
2. To study the:
a) Psycho-social profile of the aged in context of these varying familial patterns.
b) To assess life satisfaction in relation to the available familial support systems.
3. a) To assess the perceptions of the family towards aged, ageing process and the
adjustments required both by family and aged.
b) To understand the needs of families caring for the aged.
4. To know the role of NGO’s in the area of geriatric care in Jammu district.
5. To conduct an intervention based on identified needs.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1) What variations exist in familial patterns in Urban Jammu?
2) Is there a difference in the psycho-social profile and life satisfaction of the
aged within varying familial patterns?
3) What are the perceptions of the family towards aged, ageing process and the
adjustments required both by family and aged?
4) What adjustment problems are being faced by aged and their families?
5) What is the status of elderly care in Jammu?
6) What is the role of NGO’s in the area of geriatric care in Jammu district and what
areas are thus covering?

23
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS OF ELDERLY

Dean et al (1992) examined the effects of living alone on the mental health of elderly
persons. Using multiple regression models, the authors attempted to distinguish the influence
of living alone on depressive symptoms from the influence of other highly relevant variables:
social support, stressors, age, sex, and marital status. The data derive from a stratified
community probability sample of persons 50 years of age and older. Results reveal that
elderly persons who live alone have higher levels of depressive symptomatology: and this
relationship is independent of the influence of expressive support from friends, face to face
interaction with friends, undesirable life events, disability, and financial strain. The
depressive influence of living alone is greater on men than women. Undesirable health events
have a stronger impact on those who live alone, particularly women. Marital status influences
depression indirectly through its influence on living alone.
Fengler and Danigelis (1992) assess the life satisfaction of elderly widows in relation
to their living arrangements. The responses of 1400 systematically selected elderly to a needs
assessment survey in a four-country area in north western New England suggest that urban
and rural widows and almost equally disadvantaged in objective ways but, subjectively, urban
widows perceive themselves to be considerably more disadvantaged than rural widows.
Moreover, the more urban the residence of the widow living alone, the lower her life
satisfaction. Finally, all rural widows and urban widows living with children have higher life
satisfaction than do urban widows living alone.
Fengler et al (1993) carried out a study to assess that life satisfaction of elderly who
were living alone and living with others. In a survey of 1,400 older Americans over 65, two
household structures, elders living with alone and elders living with others, were compared
with older married couples. Results indicated that elders living with other had a greater
degree of incapacity and lower income than married couples, but on most indices there were
few differences. Elders in three generation families had somewhat lower general life
satisfaction, but the greatest number of elderly people with low life satisfaction were widows
who lived alone. Widows living alone were less likely than married couples to own their
homes and more likely to perceive that their income was inadequate, that transportation needs
were unmet and that no one would care for them in an emergency, all conditions strongly
associated with low satisfaction.

24
 Kohli (1996) conducted a study with a sample of 200 males and females in Delhi
school of Social work. Among males 20.9% and among females 58.2% were illiterate.
Widowers were 24.91% and widows 68.9%. Only 43.5% of the males and 5.9% of the
females were gainfully employed. In age group 60-67 years, 61.2% had income, in age group
68-77, 43.3% had income and in age group 77+, only 32.1% had income. The income was by
Pensions for 32%, by property for 15% and by savings for 5.42%; other derived their income
from occupation. The study showed that only 15.2% of the aged were living alone and
another 20.16% lived with spouse only. Reasons for living alone were widowhood in respect
of 78.63% unmarried in respect of 10.26%, and divorce / separation in respect of 0.85%. The
remaining in 10.26% lived alone although they were married. Living with spouse only by
6.1% was for the reason that the sons had separated. Son’s separation was more in cases
where the spouse was alive of those having sons, in 37.16% cases, all married sons shared the
household with the aged, in 38.08% cases, some married sons shared the household, and in
24.76% cases, all married sons had separated.
Natividad and Cruz (1997) carried out a study to examine the living arrangements of
the elderly in Phillippines. Data were obtained from the 1996 survey on the ‘Near Elderly and
Elderly’, among a nationally representative sample of 2285 persons aged over 50 years, and
1131 aged over 60 years. Findings indicate that 5.5 percent of the elderly lived alone, 7.9
percent lived with a spouse only, and 9.8 percent lived with persons other than a spouse or
children. 28.4 percent lived with single children, and 28.5 percent of elderly persons and
couples lived with one or more ever married children. 13.4 percent of elderly persons and
couples lived with never and ever-married children. There were more elderly rural people
who lived alone. Among those living alone, a high proportion were separated or divorced
women. About in 4 elderly believed that the widowed should live with a child. About 40
percent of married persons believed that the best arrangement was living by themselves, even
though few did so. The elderly living with a child tended to own the house. 69.2 percent
coresided with a child, and 76.8 percent coresided or lived next door to a child. Coresidence
with a child was unaffected by the number of living children. Coresidence increased with age
and was more common among males, married, and urban residents. 28.6 percent lived with a
single son and 21.7 percent lived with a single daughter. More parents received money from a
non-coresident child. The proportion of parents who gave money to children was lower than
the proportion who received money from children. 92.5 percent of the elderly cared from a
grandchild. A large proportion of elderly both accepted the concept of homes for the aged and
would live in an institutional setting.
25
 Min and Margaret (2000) carried out a study to examine the effects of individual
characteristics of elderly Koreans on their living arrangements. The sample comprised of
elderly persons aged 55 years and over. The sample was stratified to represent older adults in
high and low income areas of Seoul. Regression was used for data analysis. Result indicated
that the independent living situations by the elderly were influenced by the existence of the
spouse, the level of higher education, the ability for self–support, the individual’s health
status, and the marital status of the children. Older adults in Korea consider their marital
status, their ability for self-support, and the marital status of their adult children as important
determinants of their living arrangements for the near future. Such elderly demographic
statistics as age, gender, number of children, and number of sons were not significant in
predicting elderly living arrangements in Korea.
Zunzunegui et al (2001) assess the association between emotional and instrumental
support from children and living arrangements with the physical and mental health of older
people in Spain. A face to face home interview was carried out with 1284 community
dwelling people over 65 years, randomly selected according to an age and sex-stratified
sampling technique. 93 percent of the participants had children and 45 percent of them co
resided with them. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the centre for Epidemiologic
study depression scale and self-rated health by a single-item question. Emotional support was
measured with a six-item scale on affection and reciprocity. Instrumental support was
assessed by help received in 17 activities of daily living. Multivariate analysis was done.
Results show that low emotional support and reception of instrumental aid were significantly
associated with poor self-rated health. Being a widower and sharing living arrangements with
children was associated with good self-rated health. Living arrangements modify some of the
associations of support of children with self-rated health. Depressive symptoms were
associated with low emotional support, reception of instrumental help and being a widower
who did not share living arrangements with children, reception of instrumental aid is
associated with low depressive symptomatology. Emotional support from children seems to
play an important role in maintaining the physical and mental health of elderly people in
Spain. Coresidence with children is very common and it is associated with goodself perceived
health and low prevalence of depressive symptoms in a culture where family interdependence
is highly valued.
Chappell (2002) examine the elders who are living with friends and family other than
spouses (n=431). The study examine similarities and differences on health, demographic, and
care giving characteristics among elders living with different relations (son, daughter,
26
brother, sister, friend, child plus grandchild, and married sons). Three distinctive types of
living arrangements were derived from bivariate analyses and subjected to confirmatory
factor analyses. Strong support emerges for “dependent elders”, those characterized as living
with a married household, and by both economic and health disadvantage, as a distinctive
type. They were receiving considerable assistance from this married sons. Strong support was
also evident for “independent elders”, living in their own household with either sister or
friends, as a distinctive type. While women were more likely to live with sisters and men with
friends, both were advantaged, either in terms of socio-economic status or health. Less
support was received for the third type, “traditions familial living arrangements”, consisting
of those living with all other types of relations. The analyses demonstrate the heterogeneity of
those living with someone other than a spouse.
Raakhee and SanandaRaj (2003) carried out a study with an aim to find the
difference between institutionalized and non-institutionalized aged among certain selected
alienation variables viz; powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, isolation and self-
estranagement. A sample of 300 aged people (males = 136 and females = 164) residing in
Thirivananthapuram district participated in the study. Of these 150 were living in their own
homes (non-institutionalized) and the remaining 150 were living in various old age homes
(institutionalized). t-Test is used for analysis of data. The results reveal that the two groups
differ between themselves in three alienation variables viz; powerlessness, meaninglessness
and normlessness.
Tirma (2004) designed to investigate the effect of living in a nursing home or a
family setting on the life satisfaction of elderly individuals. The sample comprised of 240
elderly individuals who were selected among senior citizens residing in 3 nursing homes.
Data were collected by the interview technique using a Socio-Demographic Data Form and a
life satisfaction scale. Results reveal insignificant difference between the mean scores of life
satisfaction of men and women living in nursing homes. But the difference between mean life
satisfaction scores of men and women living in family environment was found statistically
significant. It was determined that men and women living in family environment had higher
life satisfaction compared to those living in nursing homes. It was concluded that
continuation of elderly individuals living in family environment should be encouraged and
priority should be given to those organizations, such as, care at home, and Day time care
homes, for the services to be delivered to the elderly.
Karagiannaki (2005) carried out a study of examine the changes in the living
arrangements of elderly people in Greece. The paper examine determinants of the decrease in
27
intergenerational co-residence among Greek elderly people and their adult children and its
implications for economic well-being. It was found that the main factors that has contributed
to the change in the living arrangements has been the increase in the pension schemes.
Although income was the most important force driving the increase in the independent living
among the elderly Greeks throughout the period under examination, its contribution to the
change reduced significantly during the 1990’s. This finding points to the role of changing
preferences in determining intergenerational co-residence. Despite the substantial decrease in
intergenerational co-residence, family in Greece still plays a very significant role in
protecting the poor elderly people.
Radkar and Kaulagekar (2006) conducted a study to find the living conditions of
elderly in India using the data collected during the National Family Healthy Survey–2
(NFHS-2). Feminization of elderly was not seen during the NFHS-2 and about 80 percent of
them aware young old. In most of the cases, typically, elderly were in the age of group of 60
and 70 years with no education and low standard of living. Most of the elderly from urban as
well as rural areas own the house. Urban elderly enjoyed the comforts of day-to-day life
whereas their rural counterparts were deprived of basic needs like water, toilet and electricity.
More than one third of the elderly were widowed with sizably more widows among them.
Three percent of them were staying alone, with no one to look after them.
Rueda et al (2008) analyses the gender inequalities in health status and in social
determinants of health among the elderly living alone and living with their spouses in western
Europe. Data came from the first wave of the “Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in
Europe” (2004). The sample comprised of aged 65-85 years with no paid work residing in the
community (4218 men and 5007 women). Multiple logistic regression models were used for
the analysis. Results show that women were more likely to report poor health status,
limitations in mobility and poor mental health whereas in both sexes, educational attainment
was associated with the three health among women. The relationship between living
arrangements and health differed by gender and was primarily associated with poor mental
health. In both sexes, not living with their partner but living with other people and being the
household head was related to poor mental health status. In addition, women living with their
partner and others and those living alone were more likely to report poor mental health status.
Living arrangements are primarily associated with poor mental health status with patterns
than differ by gender.
Panigrahi (2009) analyse the socio-economic and demographic correlates of the
living arrangements choices of older persons in the state of Orissa. The data was taken from
28
the 60th round of the National Sample Survey of the elderly in Orissa. The total sample size
consists of 1,238 old persons, with 660 males and 578 females. Both bivariate and
multivariate technique with person’s chi-square test statistics were used for the analysis.
Results reveal that majority of the elderly (51.5 percent) were in co-residence or lived with
their spouses and children; roughly one-third lived without the spouse but with children and a
small proportion (2.5 percent) lived with other relatives and non-relatives. The variables, like
age, sex, marital status, number of surviving children, education, income and economic
dependency, play an important role in determining the living arrangements of the elderly in
Orissa. In view of the changing socio-economic and demographic scenario, increasing
education and income and a simultaneous decline in fertility, there is a likelihood of a higher
proportion of elderly indians living alone in the future.
Chaudhuri and Roy (2009) assess the data from 52nd round of National Sample
Survey regarding gender differences in living arrangement choices of the elderly in India. Old
women are more likely to live alone than older men, even after controlling for demographics,
socio-economic characteristics, health status, economic independence and property
ownership. Economic independence is associated with higher livelihood of living alone for
men and women. While physical inmobility decreases the likelihood of living with children
or extended family for older men, older and physically immobile women are less likely to
live alone as they have sons rather than daughters.
Chaudhuri, A. and Roy, K. (2009). Gender differences in Living arrangements among older
persons in India. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 44 (3): 259-277.
Mathew et al (2009) conducted a study of assess the stress, coping strategies and
quality of life of institutionalized and non- institutionalized elderly in Kottayam District,
Kerala. Data used in this study were collected from an old age home and a village in
Kottayam with sample of 150 respondents aged 60 or older. The survey used different tools
such as socio-demographic proforma for institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly,
and WHOQOL-BREF Scale. The present study reveal that institutionalized elderly have more
stress and less quality of life compared to non-institutionalized ones.
Tong et al (2010) examined the effects of social exclusion on depressive symptoms in
old chinese who are living alone in China. The data used were obtained in the year 2008
through face-to-face interviews, using a structured survey questionnaire, from a simple
random sample of 228 Chinese 60 and older living alone in a Shanghai Community.
Depressive symptoms were measured by a 15-item Chinese version Geriatric Depression
Scale. Multiple regression technique was used. Results reveal that 30% of the participants
29
reported symptoms of a mild or above mild level of depression. Social exclusion variables,
represented by a lower level income adequacy, a less favourable housing condition, and
feeling more lonely correlated significantly with more depressive symptoms.
Ghosh (2010) studied the changing pattern of relationships of the middle class aged
with their family members and its impact on their depression levels. Two studies were
conducted. In study 1, a questionnaire was administered on stratified random samples of 66
males and 74 females elderly. It was found that majority of them felt they could stay most
peacefully with and would prefer to die in the presence of their spouse and children. In study
2, an information blank and the Beck Depression Inventory were administered on stratified
random samples. One of 50 elderly staying with and another of 50 elderly residing without
their offspring. It was revealed that the elderly desire to stay with offspring mainly for
security; the offspring generally discourage close grandparent-grandchildren relation; most
children staying separately have infrequent contact with aged parents; the spouses were
caring towards the ailing elderly but the aged staying apart from the offspring were more
depressed.
Lei et al (2011) conducted a study on the living arrangements of Chinese elderly.
Pilot survey was conducted in July-September 2008 to determine the living patterns of
chinese elderly. The sample comprised of aged 45 and over, and their spouses, living in
households in Gansu and Zhejiang provinces. Random sampling technique was used to select
the sample. Results reveal that 50.8 percent of the respondents were living with one or more
adult children; 49.2 percent were living alone; 2 percent of them were childless couples.
Living close to parents has become an important way of providing elderly support while at
the same time maintain independence / privacy of both parents and children. Children live
close to their parents frequently visit their parents, providing non-financial transfer to their
parents; while those living far away provide larger amount of financial transfers. Living
arrangements are affected by both parent and child characteristics. There is some evidence
that parents with higher pre-transfer income were more likely to live with or near their adult
children. Parents with an ADL OR IADL difficultly were morel likely to live with their
children, meaning that coresidence is still functioning as an important source of elderly
support.
Young and Karyn (2011) conducted a study with a purpose to describe family
relationships with the context of living arrangements (living with adult children or without
adult children) and support networks, and to further determine associations of these factors to
depression in elderly Korean in migrants. The results of the study showed that over 70%
30
(N=160) of Korean elders were found to live apart from their adult children. However,
Korean elders who were living independently reported higher levels of depression inspite of
their expressed desire to live independently and to be less dependent upon their adult
children. The findings suggest that family support and close relationships with their adult
children play a central role in adjusting to a new life and in preventing and/or lessening
depression in elderly Korean immigrants.
ELDERLY AND SUPPORT SYSTEM
Malhotra and Chadha (1996) conducted a study to find the differences between
pensioners and non-pensioners; as well as married and widower respondents on changes in
relations with family after retirement. The sample consisted of 100 subjects chosen from
three residential areas of west Delhi. A personal data form was used to procure demographic
and biographical information and Family Support Schedule was used to study the
relationships between family members during the ageing process. The results reveal that a
large number of non-pensioners as compared to pensioners reported change in relations with
family after retirement. Also 18 percent of widowers report change in family relations than
12 percent married respondents. More percentage of non pensioners report raking decision
themselves (48%) or jointly (34%) while 16 percent of pensioners reported to take decisions
with wife; by wife alone (6%), by son alone (14%) and by son, self and daughter in
consultation with each other (6%). Pensioners feel that their family always or sometimes
agree to their views. Widowers maintained that they were no given due respect after the death
of their wives. Non-pensioners respondents frequently converse with their sons, friends and
grandchildren while pensioners report conversing a lot with wife, daughters and relatives.
Non-pensioners wanted to stay with children whereas pensioners were already living
independently, while 28 percent of them preferred to live independently.
Kending and William (1999) identified the informal relationships that provide social
provide social support to older people in Urban Japan and Australia. The study compared 600
white and 600 black elderly people over a period of 18 months. Results of the study reveal
that spouses, daughters, and sons were the major providers of expressive support in all areas.
Older white Australians had more expressive support from friends, whereas older black
Japanese had more instrumental support from daughter’s-in-law. The gender of the older
people and their close ties were highly significant in all areas. There were many similarities
in the social support patterns contrast sharply with east and west differences in cultural
prescripts and living arrangements.

31
 Rani et al (1999) conducted a study in rural areas of South Central Andhra Pradesh to
assess the different dimensions of old age security value of children among rural parents. The
sample of the study comprised of 600 aged living in rural areas. The results reveal that 88%
expected filial financial support in their old age. 85% of the respondents rely on children for
financial support, whereas 2.5% did not rely on children for financial support; 93% of the
respondents expected to live with their sons whereas 5% live with daughters and 2% would
like to live alone.
Buys and Miller (2004) conducted an exploratory study to investigate the impact of
residence on the social networks reported by very old (75years +) single and widowed men
who live alone, either in the community (n=26) or an independent living unit in a retirement
village (n=24). The results indicated that, regardless of residence, older men living alone
report minimal levels of telephone and face-to-face contact with friends. However, when
contact with other residents is included, compared to their peers in the community, older men
living alone in retirement villages reported twice the number of social interactions.
Additionally, although not a statistically significant difference, older men living alone in the
community reported greater loneliness and were less satisfied with the amount of contact they
had with friends than retirement village residents.
Iecovich et al (2004) conducted a study to examine the variables that affect feeling of
loneliness among unmarried and childless elderly persons. Using data from a survey of 2,599
elderly Jews in two of the largest countries of the former Soviet Union, Russia and Ukraine.
The results reveal that married elderly persons who did not maintain frequent contact with
relatives or friends were lonelier than those who maintained such contact. The characteristics
of social networks were significantly correlated with loneliness. The findings also showed
that Jews in Ukraine had fewer social networks and felt lonelier compared to Jews in Russia.
Samajothan and Samiti (2004) focused on personal, family and social aspects and
elderly women, and attempted to identify their problems in the states of Bihar and Delhi. A
sample of 800 women was selected from two districts of Bihar (Munger, Bhagalpur) and
Delhi (South Delhi, East Delhi). In the sample, there were 3.45 percent single women
respondents, 51.5 percent widowers, 3.94 percent divorcees and 0.69 percent separated
women. About 41.4 percent of the respondents had living husbands. Most of the respondents
were illiterate (68.52%), 8.8 percent were educated upto primary level, 4.51 percent upto
middle level and 3.82 percent were educated upto high school level, 1.04 percent women
were self employed, 2.31 percent had businesses, 0.81 percent were professionals, 0.69
percent were skilled labourers, 23.73 percent were labourers and 66.09 percent did not work.
32
About 71.18 percent of the respondents received their food from their own married sons; 6.25
percent respondents were getting food from their married daughters; 18 percent reported that
their nephews / nieces were meeting their food requirements; 5 percent respondents were
dependent on their brothers for food; and about 10.42 percent did not specify for certain
personal reasons. 41.78 percent respondents reported that they were not able to walk properly
due to osteoporosis; injuries, arthritis, muscular strain, etc; 41.55 percent respondents had
weak eyesight, 48.95 percent has sleep disorders; 8.44 percent were suffering from T.B, and
2 percent respondents had cancer. 39.58 percent respondents had access to T.V; 25 percent
radio, 7.75 percent to newspapers, but 27.66 percent were unable to answer. Only 18.52
percent respondents had control over their children, 6.37 percent has some control over their
children, while 50.46 percent did not have any control. 46 percent of the respondents in Bihar
and about 67 percent in Delhi reported that their family’s attitude towards them was
affectionate, but in 18.28 percent cases the attitude was dominating. Over-protective
behaviour was reported by 11 percent of the respondents. 4.62 percent respondents had
‘nagging’ families and about 14.23 percent had ‘anxious’ families. 23 percent respondents’
families had an attitude of indifference towards the respondents 10.64 percent families were
observed to be quarrelsome; in Bihar about 11.49 percent and in Delhi about 9.54 percent
respondents were observed to be quarrelsome. About 17.12 percent respondents were jealous
/ peevish in both states. About 24.53 percent respondents were not able to manage tension
and anxiety. It was recommended that there is a need for counseling and referral services for
elderly women in view of their material and psychological problems.
Anandrajan and Stephen (2010) conducted a study in Non-governmental
organizations, which are engaged in the care of the elderly in Coimbatore city Fifteen
organizations, were drawn randomly for the study. Results reveal that majority of the elderly
people were in the age group of 71-80 years. Fourteen institutions provided residential care.
Whereas only one offer day-care service to the elderly. Fourteen organizations have
dormitory facility along with which five have double room accommodation for old couples
and five organizations with single room facility. It was encouraging to note that all the
organizations provide full medical care, for the state of health among the elderly and serve
morbid conditions require it. Most of the organizations had set timings for elders to eat, they
could eat together and socialize well as they are of same age group and rest most of the time.
Basic amenities like food, clothing, toilet and both, vocational training, health series,
recreations, were provided in all the Homes.

33
 Ravishankar (2010) with an aim to explore the prospects of population ageing, the
socio-economic profile of the elderly and the system of family support of the elderly in the
southern region of India. The present paper is based on the report on ‘Morbidity Health Care
and Conditions of Aged’ released by NSSO during 2006. It was found that aged females were
out number both in rural and urban areas in all the parts of South India. It indicates the higher
life expectancy of females. In India, about 65 percent of the aged population had depended on
others partially or fully for their livelihood. This proportion was little higher for rural elderly
population (66 percent) and slightly lesser for urban elderly people (63 percent). In South
India, more than 95 percent of the elderly were supported by their own spouse, children and
grand children, irrespective of their place of residence and sex.
Lin et al (2011) examined the relationship between intergenerational relations and
life satisfaction among older women (aged 55 years and older) in Taiwan. Data were obtained
from the 2006 Taiwan Social change survey (N=281). The main results showed that
intergenerational relations have a significant effect on the life satisfaction of older women.
Western studies have found that playing the giver’s role increases the life satisfaction of older
people. However, the present study found that being mainly a recipient of support from adult
children is related to a higher level of life satisfaction among older Taiwanese Women. This
study also underscores the importance of the emotional component in intergenerational
relations to the well –being of older people. Stronger emotional bonds with adult children
increases older women’s life satisfaction.
Takashi (2011) investigated how family and social relations affect the life
satisfaction levels of elderly men and women in Japan. The sample comprised of 3,063
Japanese elderly adults (1,565 men and 1,489 women) collected from a sample in the first-
wave of the Japanese study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR). The study found that life
satisfaction is more closely associated with family and social relations for women than for
men, after controlling for socio-economic, health, and other factors. Women are more
sensitive than men to co-residence and contact with family members, especially parents-in-
law, as well as to social relations with others in the community, while men become much
more depressed than women following a divorce or widowhood.
NEEDS AND ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS OF ELDERLY
Aldwin et al (1996) carried the work to examine age differences in stress, appraisal
and coping, using both semi structured interview questions and a coping checklist in middle
aged, young–old and old–old men. For the present study, sample size consisted of 1,065 men
who reported for their triennial physical emanation between the years 1989 and 1991. The
34
men ranged in age from 48 to 91 years at the time of interview. All men were screened for the
absence of serious chronic disease as well as blood pressure also. Despite extensive probing,
nearly a quarter of the old–old reportedly had no problems and they expected less coping
effort even when they did have problems. The types of problems reported varied
systematically with age. Middle aged men were more likely to appraise their problems both
as challenges and as annoyances than the older men. Different age patterns emerged from the
coping interviews vs. the checklists, but controlling for type of problem significantly
attenuated age differences. However, there were no age differences in perceived stressfulness
of the problem, appraisals of harm / loss, or helpless appraisals, number of emotions reported,
or coping efficacy. One interpretation of these results was that the nature of stress changes
with age, from espisodic to chronic, which in turn affects appraisal and coping processes.
This study provided an in-depth examination of the types of stresses experienced by
older men, how they are appraised and the coping strategies used in dealing with everyday
problems.
Behura et al (2000) conducted a study with an attempt to present the social situation
of the middle class retired aged persons in urban fringes of Bhubaneswar city. The total
sample constitute 148 aged persons of whom 67 were men and the rest 81 were women.
These people belong to 21 caste Hindu villages, located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar city.
The study has made use of various methods like village census, survey, and personal
interview with informants through recording of information with the help of interview
schedules. Besides, a questionnaire with close and open-ended questions was also
administered and documentation of case studies was done. Observation method was followed
while interviewing the informants during the course of the field work. The results reveal that
aged men and women help their children in many ways as per their capabilities. In most of
the cases, their economic and physical support is adequate in view of their old age. But still
then, they were generally considered as useless and unwanted persons by their married sons
and daughter’s-in-law. They were treated as a social and economic burden on family
members. In such a depressing and shocking state of mind the aged lead a very miserable and
pitiable life.
Dasgupta and Ray (2000) with an aim to understand and examine the plights and
problems faced by the aged sandals of Belkuli village, under the Burdwan district of west
Bengal. The sample comprised 73 aged persons who have attained 60 years of age or more.
Out of which 38% were aged males while 62% were aged females. The study have been
covering the following aspects of the aged-economic condition, living condition, health
35
condition, status, role and relationships with other family members and various schemes
undertaken by the Government for the benefit of aged. The results reveal that aged were not
always burden to the family as they do some sort of work. They often keep themselves
engaged in some other indoor activities that did not require hard labour. All the aged Santals
of Belkuli village has their own houses, but the condition of these houses was extremely
poor. They were mud-built, thatched roofed and ill ventilated which could not provide them
with enough space and comfort such as warmth/coolness or privacy. In case of aged males,
86 percent of them desire to live jointly with married sons and grandchildren while only 14 %
expressed their willingness of living separately with the spouse. Similarly, in case of aged
females, 93 percent of them desire to live jointly with the whole family while only 7% desire
to live separately with the spouse. Living with children and grandchildren happily was the
intense desire of all the elderly people, as expressed by them, and on that count, those living
with children and grandchildren may be considered as better off as compared to those who
live alone. Large variations were observed in the level of support they received due to age,
sex, presence of spouse, land holdings etc.
The leisure time activities of the aged of Belkuli include taking off cattle to graze in
the fields, looking after the grandchildren, making chatais (mats), consuming handia,
listening to radio, gossiping with neighbours etc. Health was a major concern for the aged
sandals of Belkuli. They did not take much care about their health. Some suggestive measures
are recommended that arrangements must be made to tap the talent and skill of the santal
aged for the betterment of the community. This will give the aged an opportunity to pass their
time with ease and in a more meaningful manner.
Basu (2000) carried out a study with an aim to understand the situation that prevails
in an ever-changing urban social-cultural milieu, on the role performance, status
achievement, and on the nature of relationship between senior members with the elderly
women in the family. Two Calcutta Municipal Corporation (CMC) wards were selected fot
the study. One area include northern industrial area and the other was south residential
locality. The stratified random sampling procedure was used to interview a sample of 180
elderly women who were in the age group of 58 years and above. The overall results reveal
that workforce participation was very low and irrespective of their age, economic dependency
was higher. The main source of stress among elderly females was possibly due to their
economic dependence, and also for reasons other than their adverse health condition very
high proportion of the elderly women has no role as decision-maker on family matters. They
were dissatisfied with nursing care given to them in the families. Uncongenial relationship
36
was very common among the elderly females in both the wards. In both the wards, very low
proportion of elderly females enjoy the status of head of the family.
Ghulam (2000) conducted a study on ageing reveal that ageing is although a
physiological normal life process, yet many changes take place in the body which makes
them react poorly tot the environment. Thus, lungs, blood, kidney and G.I.T the organs more
exposed to external environment suffer the most. Thus old people need, not only more
physical care but social, economic and physiological baking during these years to lead a
normal life as far as possible. They have not to neglected but to make them feel that they are
important members of the society to be cared for this attitude will not only add “years to their
life” but “life to their years.”
Stevens et al (2000) in their study developed a program to promote the well- being
and alleviate loneliness among older women. Pilot study was conducted on 32 participants in
the program which were interviewed on the friendships and loneliness at two points in time,
immediately following the course and a year later. Loneliness scores were compared with
those of a matched control group from a large nationally representative sample. Both groups
were very lonely initially and demonstrated a significant reduction in loneliness a year later.
However, more women in the friendship course were successful in reducing their loneliness;
these women had developed new friendships of varying degrees of closeness and had
increased the complexity of their friendship networks. Theses changes are significantly
related to the decline in loneliness.
Goel et. al. (2003) conducted a study on the psychosocial needs of the elderly. The
sample comprised of 360 persons aged 60 years and above were selected of House-to-house
visits were made to select the sample. Out of 360 elderly studied, 58.5 percent were
financially dependent, 69.5 percent were found enjoying their leisure time at home, 55.1
percent were having sad attitude towards their lives, 46.3 percent were not aware of and 96
percent had never utilized any Geriatrics welfare services. The financial and social needs of
the elderly should be fulfilled by preserving traditional joint family, promoting light home
based occupation, life style changes for healthy ageing and by increasing awareness and
utilization of geriatric welfare services as well as accessibility to government health services.
Patil et al (2003) carried out a study on effect of gender, education, type of family,
per capita income, number of children and gender combination of children on the depression
of the elderly was carried out in Dharwad city (North Karnataka). The sample comprised 220
elderly persons including both males and females with the age ranging between 50-70 years.
The results reveal that a larger proportion of the respondents had low level of depression. A
37
significant difference in the depression level was found in the respondent s belonging to
different gender and educational level and a non-significant difference in the respondents
belonging to different type of family. The per capita income was found to have negative and
significant relationship with depression. Lastly, the number of children was found to have
positive and non-significant relationship with depression.
Dilip (2003) carried out a study with an aim to understand morbidity, hospitalization,
and the prevalence of major chronic and disabling conditions among elderly in Kerala. The
study was based on elderly collected by National Sample Survey organization during its’ 52nd
round survey 1995-96 on ‘Survey on Health Care’. The sample households were drawn from
rural and urban areas separately using a two stage stratified sampling procedure. The data
give information on health condition of 2212 elderly persons (874 persons in urban areas and
1338 persons in rural areas). Results reveal that the gender differentials were observed with
males having higher levels of morbidity than females. The morbidity level was slightly higher
among the fully dependent category than among independent and partially dependent
category. Age may be a factor influence variable economic dependence of older persons,
since persons from older ages are likely to be hospitalized than unmarried persons.
Sumangala (2003) in a study to find out family living profile or retired males and
their extent of participation in the family activities. The sample of the study consisted of 70
retired individuals from Dharwad city in Karnataka. The results show that retired elderly still
enjoy living in nuclear families which could be with their spouses alone or with their spouses
and unmarried children, living separately in the same premises with their married children.
Majority did not participate in Kitchen and cleaning activities but they prefer to do child care
activities always. The findings of the study imply that retired elderly people do not sit idle
without any work. They would like to keep themselves engaged in the activities which they
enjoy doing it. This may affect their quality of life with positive thinking, absence of mental
illness, sense of belonging and good relations among members.
Mao (2003) make an attempt to examine the physiological problems the aged and to
make suggestions for improving their health. The study was carried out in four villages of
Dharmpur district of Himachal Pradesh. Out of a total 132 households, 155 aged individuals
(95 males and 60 females) in the age group of 55 years & above were selected. An interview
schedule was used to collect the primary data. The results of the study reveal that physical
ailments, namely blood pressure, rheumatism, joints pain, and asthma were very common
among elderly. The physical disabilities experienced by the aged were climbing stairs as most
of the houses had terraces and walking. Suggestive measures were given for their better
38
health that there should be planning programme catering to the need for increased support
like health care. A separate mobile medical unit should be established for a definite size of
population of the aged. Free edicare should be given to the aged regularly and free of cost.
Das and Rai (2004) conducted a study to investigate the effect of religious beliefs
and leisure time activities on stress among aged. A randomized group design was made to
study the effect. The sample of the study consisted of 62 elderly people of Agra city, aged
ranged between 75-95 years. Out of them, 31 aged were taken from Dayalbagh area and 31
aged from other areas for measuring stress, Psycho-social stress questionnaire, was
administered through interview technique. The results reveal that there exists a significant
difference between stress of elderly people from Dayalbagh and the aged from outside. It is
concluded that the aged living in Dayalbagh have low stress due to their religious beliefs and
engagement in social welfare and self-supporting activities in their leisure time.
Paswan et al (2005) carried out a study on empowerment of senior citizens for their
retired life. The sample comprised of 120 seniors citizens residing in the rehabilitative
institutes of Chandigarh and UttarPradesh. Interview schedule was used to gather information
on psychosocial and economic status of senior citizens. The results reveal that majority, of
male and female senior citizens suffer from depression, lose their social status and become
economically poor after-retirement. Health wise males were poor or good in their health
status, while greater percentage of female senior citizens was good in their health status.
There was significant difference between in health status of male and female senior citizens.
Bhatia et al (2007) studied the health related problems and loneliness among the
elderly in different microenvironment group. Aged persons of age 65 years & above were
participated from urban and rural area of Chandigarh. A cross sectional design was used for
analyzing the data t-Test and Z-Test was employed in the data to study the relation between
loneliness and health among the elderly in different microenvironment groups of 361 aged
persons both from urban and rural area of Chandigarh. The results of the study revealed that
out of the total 361 aged persons of Chandigarh,311 (86.1%) persons reported one or more
health related complaints, with an average of two illnesses. The illness was higher among the
females (59.5%) as compared to males (40.5%). The main health related problems were
disorders of the circulatory system (51.2%) musculoskeletal system and connective issue
(45.7%). It was also found that loneliness was prevalent more in females (72.8%) as
compared to males (65.6%). Loneliness was more prevalent among persons who lived alone
(92.2%) as compared to those who lived with their spouse (58.9%) or when husband and wife
lived with the family (61.4%). It was higher among the widows (85.2%) and widowers
39
(75.8%) as compared to the aged who lived with the spouse (58.9%) and the aged husband
and wife who lived with the family (61.4%). It was higher among the widows (85.2%) and
widowers (75.8%) as compared to the aged who lived with the spouse (58.9%) and the aged
husband and wife who lived with the family (61.4%) The paper conclude with the suggestion
that special geriatric services should be started in the hospitals as the majority of the aged
have one or more health related problems. The aged persons should be involved in social
activities to avoid loneliness among them
Kumari (2007) carried out a study with an aim to study the level of life satisfaction
among urban elderly persons. Quasi-random sampling technique was adopted and a total
sample of 334 elder persons (185 males and 149 females) was selected for the study.
Normative survey method of research was adopted for data collection General information
blank for adolescents to obtain addresses of elderly persons, a personal data schedule was
used to collect information on demographic characteristics of elderly and life satisfaction
scale for elderly was used for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed and interpreted
the living system, age-wise and sex-wise using ANOVA and t-test. In general, overall
satisfaction is higher among respondents staying in family set up, young old age (60-70 yrs),
and female elderlies. The findings of the present study reveal the institutionalized elderly or
those living in separate households have lower life satisfaction and significantly lower social
support network in comparison to those who live in their own family. Families are seldom
self sufficient, and they are subjected to tremendous pressure and adjustment as a result of
recent rapid economic and social changes taking place in India. Hence they need intervention
both at individual and social level.
Ghufran and Ansari (2008) carried out a study to assess the impact of Widowhood
on Religiosity and Death anxiety among Senior Citizens. The sample comprised of 120
Subjects with age range from 60 to 75 years were selected on incidental basis from Varanasi
City. Bhushan’s religiosity and Thakur death anxiety scale were administered on the sample.
t-Test was used to find out the significance of difference between the various comparison
groups. The results reveal significantly greater religiosity for subjects with their spouses dead
than for subjects with their spouses alive. No Significant difference between the widows and
widowers in their religiosity was obtained. A significant difference between the mean death
anxiety scores of the subjects with spouses dead and the subjects with spouses alive was
obtained. Subjects having their scale than subjects who have their spouses at alive. However,
widows were found to be significantly more on death anxiety scale than widowers.

40
 Sijuwade (2008) explored the impact of living arrangement, gender and family life
satisfaction on adjustment of the elderly. The study used factorial design, which analyzed the
data collected through an Adjustment Inventory and family life satisfaction for the elderly
from the city of Oyo in the South Western part of Nigeria. The Adjustment Inventory has 6
measures such as home, social, emotional, self, health and general adjustment. An analysis of
variance performed on the data reveal that there is a significant effect of living arrangement
on emotional adjustment, gender on general adjustment and family life satisfaction on
emotional and general adjustment.
Rahman (2009) carried out a study to understand the health status of elderly people
and to gather some information about their perceived health needs using the information from
300 elderly population of aged 60 and over of Chapai Nawabganj District of Bangladesh.
Finding reveals that majority of the elderly, both males and females, ere unhealthy. The most
common health problems aged people face include blood pressure, followed by diarrhea,
asthma and prolonged coughing, arthritis, kidney / bladder problems, paralysis and gastritis.
More health problems were reported by women compared to them. The study reveals that
68.0 percent of male elderly and 62.2 percent female elderly have lost their teeth. It was also
found that 80.7 percent and 79.2 percent male and female elderly have lost eyesight and 60.0
percent and 59.6 percent have hearing problems. The study observed that a significant
percentage of elderly take treatment from M.B.B.S. doctors followed by village doctors and
homeopathies. From the logistic regression, it was found that respondents age, sex, education,
sources of treatment, household electricity and type of toilet facility significantly affect the
health status of the aged population.
Mehrotra and Batish (2009) conducted a study in Ludhiana city to explore the
problems faced by elderly females and to seek suggestions by them to overcome these. A
random sample of 40 elderly women above the age of 60 years was carved out from two
localities each i.e. BRS Nagar and Civil lines area of Ludhiana city, thus, making total
respondents as eighty for the study. The data was collected through personal interview. The
results of the study reveal major physical problems faced by elderly females were reduced
vision (81.25%), dental decay (77.50%), body weakness and joints pain (68.75%), whereas
major economic problems were medical expenditure (85%), lack of freedom on spending
(77.50%), reduced personal income (65%) etc. Amongst socio-psychological problems, stress
and strain was the prominent problem (85%), followed by declining authority (77.50),
loneliness (72.50%), feeling of neglect (65%) and so on. The relationship between age and

41
physical problems of elderly females was found to be non-significant (2.824) whereas it was
significant with respect to socio-psychological problems (13.981).
Kotwal and Prabhakar (2009) studied the physical needs and adjustments made by
the elderly. The sample comprised of 100 elderly people (50 men and 50 women) of Jammu
city in the age a group of 65 years and above. Purposive Sampling Technique was employed
for sample selection. Interview Schedule was framed to collect the required information and
observation method was used to cross check the information given by the respondents.
Results of the study reveal that majority of elderly men and women lived in joint families.
Majority of the respondents were satisfied regarding their financial position. They had
enough money to look after their needs. Majority of both elderly men and women liked to
watch T.V. in leisure time. Men liked to read newspapers and women preferred reading
religious books. Majority of the respondents were facing the health problems like joints pain,
failing vision, high blood pressure and diabetes. The findings reveal that the elderly were
looked after by their spouses when they fell ill. It was observed that though most of the
elderly were living in joint families still the spouses looked after each other when they fell ill,
and this may be due to the growing generation gap.
Rotkar (2010) in a paper intend to examine the role of the elders in the new changing
context. A group of 156 senior citizens (above 60 years of age) of Aurangabad city in
Maharashtra coming from lower middle income families was randomly selected. The group
consisted of 87 males and 69 female members. Each member was interviewed with the help
of a questionnaire for eliciting the reliable information. On the basis of the information
collected, it was found that almost all the sample seniors seem to be thoughtful, holding
liberal views and prepare to adjust with all odds. Barring few exceptions, they exhibit
positive attitude while compromising with the other family members to avoid the conflicts.
Few informants have reported incidence of family disagreement mainly arising out of egos of
certain members disturbing their mental peace. Quarrels between mothers and daughter’s-in-
law have been reported to be the prominent factor responsible for breaking the quite families.
All the informants want to keep themselves actively and constructively engaged. They
specially preferred to perform various duties relating to children from educating them to
giving them moral support. They did other family jobs also with equal enthusiasm. With the
advancing age, their ardent zeal gradually goes on declining and they start facing certain
physical and mental disorders, resulting in the weakening of their abilities.
Devi and Murugesan (2010) conducted a study on the functioning of the selected
paid and unpaid homes for senior citizens and to understand the background information and
42
life style pattern of institutionalized elders. The sample comprised of 400 senior citizens i.e.
200 from paid and 200 from unpaid homes both male and female in the age group of 60 to 80
years were randomly selected. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit the functioning of
the old age homes from the respective head of the institutions. Interview schedule was used to
collect background information of the elders. Results show that the main sources were grants
sanctioned by the state and central government. Percentage of female elders was more than
males i.e. 74 percent 44 percent had no issues. More than 50 percent did not have anybody to
take care of their minimal needs. Though the elders were satisfied with their fulfillment of
basic needs, the satisfactory levels of psychological and financial needs were not fully met.
The psychological factors leading depression were social inactivity, helplessness, lack of
interest, boredom and loneliness. Hence, the management of old age homes were
recommended to provide emotional support, arrange for social and income generating
activities.
Gupta and Kohli (2011) carried out a study with an aim to explore the gender
differences in the adjustment patterns and anxiety of the community–dwelling elderly. A
sample of 100 subjects, including 50 males and 50 females, aged between 65 and 75 years
was selected. They were assessed using a semi- structured proforma, Bell’s Adjustment
Inventory and Sinha’s Anxiety Scale. Results reveal that both the groups had adjustment
problems and an average to high anxiety levels. Elderly females had significantly higher
anxiety levels as well as higher adjustment problems in home, health and emotional
subscales, while males had significantly higher social adjustment difficulties. More research
on psychological health of elderly especially in their socio-cultural context is needed to as to
evolve practical and effective preventive and remedial strategies.
PERCEPTION OF FAMILY TOWARDS ELDERLY
Creasey and Patricia (1991) carried out a study with a purpose to specify older
adolescent perceptions of relationships with maternal and paternal grandmothers and
grandfathers. Late adolescent college students (n=142) indicated their relationship
perceptions of each available biological grandparent on Furman and Buhrmester’s Network
of Relationships Inventory. Grandparents were not viewed as major targets of intimacy nor
were they reported to be the bearers of instrumental aid. However, grandparents, regardless of
kinship status were still rated as important attachment figures to these older adolescents. In
general, grand daughters reported better relationships than grandsons and grandchildren
reported more optimal relations with grandmothers.

43
 Cooper (1992) present an ethnographic study of show adult children cope with the
stresses and strains of caring for their elderly parents as the parents moves through four
phases of dependency. The first phase of dependency is where both where both the adult
child and the elderly parent exist independently of one another and maintain a mutual
relationship through phone calls, visits and letters. During the second phase, the adult child
becomes responsible for the elderly parent’s activities of daily living even though the parents
live independently of the child. Phase III occurs when the parents live with the adult child. In
Phase IV, the adult child is forced to place the elderly parents in a nursing home. The study
uses triangulation of data by relying on journals kept by each adult child, structured
interviews and field observations of the adult children as they care for their elderly parents.
The results of the study were coded to identify the changes in the stresses and stains, the
conflicts and the time involved for the elderly parents. The findings reveal themes : (a) the
progression of phases is not consistent ; two cases went from Phase IV back to Phase III ; (b)
the sex ratio of the caregivers may have a high proportion of males ; (c) anger, resentment,
and guilt were found in Phase II, a minimal amount of stress, strain and conflict were found
in Phase III ; (d) there was relief and not guilt for adult children who had their elderly parents
in Phase IV ; (e) the greatest amount of time was spent in Phase III ; and (f) Caregiver strain
built and seemed to become more acute in each, succeeding phase (from I & III) and then was
relieved in Phase IV. The conclusion of the study presents a holistic picture of what the adult
child experiences as the elderly parents moves through the four phases of dependency.
Masella (1996) investigated four qualitative aspects of the grandparent –grand child
relationship with college age grand children (M=19 years, SD =1.4): Social support,
affection, affectional bond, and attachment security. The psychological qualities of the
relationship on grand children’s self–esteem and ethnic identity achievement were also
studied. Data from 202 research participants from introductory and upper–division
psychology classes, who had at least one living grandparents confirmed the notion that
qualitative aspects of the grand parent–grandchild relationship were related to adolescent
grandchildren’s self esteem but not their ethnic identity achievement. The strength of grand
children’s affectional bond to their emotionally closest grandparent and grandchildren’s
degree of attachment security to their grandparent were unique predictors of grandchildren’s
self esteem. The hypothesized, positive interrelationships among the relationship quality
variables were also confirmed by the data but the predicted, positive relationship between
grandchildren’s security of attachment to their emotionally closests grandparent and
grandchildren’s ethnic identity achievement was not. Post hoc and exploratory analyses
44
indicated that grandchildren who were securely attached to their grandparents, always
emotionally close to their current living grandparent and emotionally close to their maternal
grandparents. Two qualities of the grandparent –grandchild relationship (affectional bond and
security) mediated the relationship between the intergenerational contact variables, such as
visiting with grandparents and the parent–grandparent relationship, and the grandchildren’s
self esteem not the reverse and two of the psychological qualities present in the grandparent -
grandchild relationship are attachment components (affectional bond and security of
attachment).
Coward et al (1996) conducted a study on the perceptions of elderly parents about
the possibility of discontinuing their coresidence with adult children. The sample comprised
of older adults (n = 192) in the age group of 65 years or over, coresiding with adult children
respond to a series of hypothetical questions about how their lives might change if they no
longer lived with those children. Results indicate that the majority of parents anticipate no
change in most aspects of their lives. Among those who anticipate a change, most indicate
that their lives would be worse. Bivariate comparisons identify parent, child and household
characteristics that are associated with more negative expectations; however, in multivariate
analyses, the marital status of the parents had the most significant and pervasive influence on
the attitudes that were expressed, with unmarried elders more likely to anticipate a negative
impact.
Halpern et al (1996) carried out a study to examine the accuracy of adult children’s
perspectives of their elderly parents’ concerns. 48 years of elderly parents and adult children
filled out questionnaires regarding the parents’ concerns about seven areas of functioning.
Analysis showed that concerns about health and emotional support were rated as most
important by elderly parents. Adult children accurately perceived these concerns to be most
important to their parents. For health concerns, opposite- sex pairs of parents and adult
children showed greatest agreement. For emotional support concerns, however, both sons and
daughters were more accurate predicting their father’s concerns than their mothers’. Living
arrangements also influenced accuracy. In predicting the concerns of elderly parents, adult
children were most accurate for parents living in retirement communities, moderately
accurate for parents living independently, and least accurate for parents living in the adult
child’s home. Further, children sharing a household with an adult parent tended to
overestimate their parents’ concerns on some issues.
Chan et al (2000) examined the sources of matrilineal advantage in grandchild
grandparent relations using data from the lowa youth and Families project. Results form fixed
45
effect models indicate that the observed matrilineal advantage in grandchild–grandparent ties
arises from lineage differentials in the quality of relations between grandparents and the
parents of grandchildren. Specifically, better relations between mother and the maternal line
facilitate closer ties between grandchildren and maternal grand parents. Father’s closer ties
with the paternal side also promote better relations between a grandchild and paternal
grandparents, but the greater prevalence of matrilineal bias in parent–grandparent ties leads to
an overall matrilineal advantage in grandchild–grandparent relations.
Gupta (2000) analyze the Elder caregiver burden in Indian /Pakistani families in the
United States within a cost/reward exchange framework. Within this context of care giving
the importance of relationship quality as a determinant of burden was examined for 118
Indian / Pakistani families. The quality of relationship between the caregiver and the elderly
emerged as a key factor in predicting burden. Other factors predicting burden were gender,
role overload, role conflict, and health problems of the elderly. In addition, it was found that
there were several indirect effects through relationship quality that predicted burden: support
tasks by elder, role conflict and gender of the caregiver.
Spence et al (2001) Studied grandparents and grandchildren relationship a rural
southern state. The sample comprised of 158 grandparents who were interviewed by
telephone regarding their roles and relationships with their grand children and others along
with the impact, grand parenting had on their other activities. Results indicate that 60% of the
sample had frequent contact with their grand children. A significant proportion of the
grandparents indicated that they provide assistance by giving advice, preparing meals, and
baby–sitting, grandparents indicated that providing care does not interfere with their other
activities. The study focuses on the need to understand grandparent –grandchild relationships
and the factors–grandchild relationships and the factors that influence them across time,
particularly as the grandchildren become adults.
Eric (2009) in a paper analyzes the impact of informal care by adult children on the
use of long-term care among the elderly in Europe and the effect of the level of the parents
disability on this relationship. The paper focuses on two types of formal care that are most
likely to interact with informal care: paid domestic help and nursing care. Using European
data emerging from the survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the
results indicate that informal care substitutes for formal home care. Substitution effect tends
to disappear as the level of disability of the elderly person increases. Finally, informal care is
a weak complement to nursing care, independently of the level of disability. These results
highlight the heterogeneous effects of informal care on formal care use and suggest that
46
informal care is an effective substitute for long-term care as long as the needs of the elderly
are low and require unskilled type of care.
Song and Jiangsu (2009) in a paper using data from the baseline and follow-up
surveys of “well-being of elderly survey in Anshu Province, China” conducted in 2001 and in
2003 respectively. The paper employ the logistic random model examine the gender
differences in the effect of out-migration on intergenerational support in rural china. The
results show that the division of the family support in rural china has not changed thoroughly
under out-migration of adult children. However, the gender differences on intergenerational
support between sons and daughters are reduced. While migrant daughters have greater
probability of increasing financial support to their elderly parents, which narrows the gap
between sons and daughters; migrant sons have less probability of increasing instrumental
support to their elderly parents, which also narrows the gender difference of instrumental
support. And as migrant daughter are more likely to increase the emotional support to their
parents, the gap between sons and daughters on intergenerational emotional support is further
widened.
Dubas (2001) examined whether young adult grandchildren’s reports on the
closeness, importance and satisfaction with their favorite grandparent were moderated by the
gender of the grandchild, grandparent, or parent and whether these associations, if found,
supported kin–keeper versus kin– selector theories of family relations. The sample comprised
of 206 American young adults were participated with a favorite living grandparent. Results
reveal that gender was related to both the closeness and importance of young adults ascribed
to the relation they have with their grandparents. No effects of gender on satisfaction with the
grandchild – grandparent relation were found stronger support for men and women as kin –
keeper rather than as kin–selectors was found.
Surabhi and Kumar (2004) conducted a study on the effect of grandparental
proximity on attitude towards discipline among 10 to 15 years school going boys and girls.
A measure of attitude towards discipline was administered to 120 children, who varied in the
levels of grandparental proximity (high, medium, low). Results revealed that boys and girls
residing with their grandparents had less favourable attitude towards discipline than those
who had either occasional or rare contact with their grandparents. At low proximity level,
their was no difference between boys and girls; at the medium and high level of proximity,
girls had more favourable attitude towards discipline than boys though the differences are
statistically not significant.

47
 Rani and Sharma (2004) conducted a study with the objective to examine the
different attitude of males and female teenagers towards their grandparents. The study was
conducted in two blocks of kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 200 teenagers (
100 males and females) from four secondary school and staying permanently with their
grandparents were randomly selected. The scale used in the study was based on the
dimensions / attitudes viz protective, rejective, demanding, loving, positive involvement and
obey rules. The results indicate that females had comparatively more protective, loving and
protectively involvement with their grandparents while males had rejective, demanding and
disobeying the rules of their grand parents.
Delhmann et al (2005) studied intergenerational perspective on grandparent roles.
Data was collected from young parents ( n = 105) and middle-age and older adults (n=105).
Both groups indentified multiple roles as important for grandparent to initiate the young
grandchildren. Theses included being a playmate as well as a friend, teacher and role model.
Intergenerational differences were also found with middle-age and older adult more likely
than younger parents to rank religious guide (P<,0.001) and family historian (p<0.05) as
important role to enact with young grandchildren. However, the young parents were more
likely than the older participants to predicted that grandparent would be remembered by their
grandchildren as fun, having high values, being a role model, and financially supportive.
Chun and Lee (2006) carried out a study on intergenerational solidarity in Korean
immigrant families. This exploratory study uncovered multiple themes that support
interrogational solidarity between Korean immigrant grandparent and grandchildren. Theses
themes characterized supportive relationships based on affection, consensus, a mutual
exchange of resources, familiar norm and structural factors such as cohabitation or religion.
At the same time, this study showed disagreement and tensions between generations which
resulted from different attitude towards roles and values, as well as being burdened by care.
Silverstein et al (2006) carried out a study to determine how norms of filial influence
adult children to provide social support to their ageing parents. Relying on intergenerational
solidarity and social capital theories, the authors hypothesize that filial responsibility as a
latent resource is more strongly converted into support when (a) the parent experiences
increased need and (b) the child in question is a daughter. Using data from 488 adult children
in the longitudinal study of generations, the authors examine change in support provided
between 1997 and 2000. Declining health of either parent increases the strength with which
filial norms predisposed children to provide support. The conversion of filial norms into
support is stronger among daughters than among sons but only towards mothers. Results were
48
discussed in terms of the contingent linkage between latent and manifest functions and the
persistence of gender role differentiation in the modern family.
Varona et al (2007) with an aim to describe the present caregiving situation of
Filipino adult–child caregivers particularly aiming to identity the predictors of caregiver
burden and to assess the effect of social support on stressors and perception of burden. A
cross survey employing face- to- face interviews with 193 adult-child caregivers in Davao
city, Philippines, measured the perception of burden using the Cost of Care Index. Results
indicated that majority were daughter caregivers living with their elderly parents, who were
receiving high levels of informal social support. A moderate to high level of burden
perception was found among respondents. Caregivers with higher educational attainment
showed low burden perception. However, higher family income and higher State-Trait
Anxiety Inventory (STAI) anxiety scores were associated with higher burden perception.
Also, longer care giving hours, a male care recipient, and the presence of care recipients
memory and behaviour problems predicted higher caregiver burden. The interaction between
stressors and perceived burden showed that social support provided a buffering effect for
caregivers experiencing higher burden perception. This suggests that respite and support
resources including community based counseling and educational programmes to assist
caregivers in dealing with stress any positively contribute to reduce burden.
Monserud (2008) examined whether changes in intergenerational relationships in the
family are associated with changes in contact and closeness between young adults and their
grandparents. Specifically, this study investigates whether changes in both parents ties to
offspring, parents and parent –in–law matter for the grandparent grand child relationship. The
data was drawn from waves 2 and 3 of the National Survey of Families and Households, this
study examines reports of 796 young adults ages (18-34) on their relationship with grand
parents. Analysis of the data reveal that grandparents and grand children today spend more
years in the past. Relationships between adult grand children and their grandparents are
important for the well being of both generations, because they can provide each other with
various kinds of support.
Merz et al (2010) studied the association between providing support to elderly parent
and well–being of adult children. This narrative and quantitative review synthesizes findings
from 55 (N = 54,550) studies on the association between providing support to elderly parents
and well–being of adult children as well as well–being of parents, in an endeavour to
determine the prevailing direction of effects, magnitude of affects, and possible factors that
may moderate these affects. The relation between caring for an elderly parent and well–
49
being and/or caregiver burden in adult children was found to be insubstantial. Likewise,
being cared for by adult children was found to weakly related to well–being in elderly
parents. More complex models including psychological aspects of caring; aspects of the
intergenerational relationship, such as quality ; and the inclusion of both the adult child’s and
the parent’s perspectives on providing and receiving support appear more promising for
understanding care giving and well – being in intergenerational relationships beyond
childhood.
Mitra and Dasgupta (2010) carried out a study to investigate the attitude of youth
towards older adults living in extended families (permanently or occasionally) and ascertain
their perception about the quality of life of older adult Ninety young adults from Kolkata,
staying in extended families were purposively selected. Kogan’s attitude scale towards older
adults was used to assess attitude, and a checklist with a Likert type of scaling was developed
to ascertain quality of life in the home regarding involvement in family affairs. Results reveal
that the respondents had a positive attitude towards older adults, maternal grandparents were
more involved in household activities; more so when the stay was occasional. The elderly
were involved in family decision making to some extent; this was significantly felt more by
young females. Paternal grandparents were given more assistance by the family. Conflicts
were more when both paternal and maternal grandparents stayed together in the same house.
Older adults were well treated. The study endorsed the fact that accepting ageing was not a
lesson that can be taught but rather a belief, wisdom, a consciousness that can be developed
and valued over the growing up years in youth adults in extended families.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS OF THE REVIEW OF LITERATURE
On the basis of the research studies, following generalizations were made:-
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS OF ELDERLY
• Most of the studies indicated that institutionalized elderly have lower life satisfaction and
lower social support network than those elderly live in their families.
• Most of the elderly females were living alone.
• Studies reveal that children share living arrangements with children was associated with
good self-rated health.
• Very few studies indicated that depressive influence of living alone is greater on elderly
males than females
• Urban widows perceive themselves to be considerably more disadvantaged than rural
widows.

50
• Studies reveal that those elderly who are living alone were more likely to report poor
mental health status.
ELDERLY AND SUPPORT SYSTEM
• Most of the studies reveal that spouses, daughters’ and sons are the major providers of
expressive support to elderly.
• Majority of elderly men and women lived in joint families.
• Elderly were looked after by their spouses when they fell ill.
NEEDS AND ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS OF ELDERLY
• Majority of the studies reveal that elderly need support because of declining health,
limited income and diminished daily responsibilities.
• Most of the studies indicated that loneliness was associated with greater dissatisfaction
among elderly parents related to their care and relaxation.
• Few studies reveal that elderly keep themselves engaged in some activities which they
enjoy doing it to overcome loneliness in families.
• Living with children and grandchildren happily was the intense desire of all elderly
people.
• Studies reveal that elderly preferred to live with sons as they will care for the parents in
old age.
• Studies reveal that elderly parents were generally considered as useless and unwanted
members by their married sons and daughter’s-in-law.
• Few studies recommended that planning programmes should be organized for their better
health.
PERCEPTION OF FAMILY TOWARDS ELDERLY
• Most of the studies reveal that the quality of relationship between the caregiver and the
elderly emerged as a key factor in predicting burden.
• Studies reveal that grandparent-grandchildren relationship are based on affectional bond
and security of attachment.
• Few studies indicated that grand daughter’s maintain better relationships than grand sons
with grandparents.
• Both grandchildren and grandparents provide them various kinds of support.

51
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

THE SAMPLE:
The sample for the present study consists of elderly males and females (in the age
group of 60 years and above), their children, grandchildren and NGO’s working in the area of
geriatric care, from urban areas of Jammu City.
SAMPLE FRAMEWORK

Group Group =I Group =III

=II
(n=100)

Aged NGO’s
(Core group) (Those NGO’s
(n = 300) who were activity
working in the
area of geriatric
Childr Grand
en Children
(n =50) (n =50)
Males Females
(n =150) (n =150)

Flow Diagram No. 3.1 : Sampling Framework

The three groups are described as follows:-

Group – I : Core Group
A pre survey was conducted in the urban areas of Jammu to screen varying familial
units in which the elderly are living. From the survey, a sample of 300 family units were
identified, having one of its member in the age group of 60 years and above. As equal
number of males and females were to be selected, the final number of family units remained
240 (as 30 among the sample were Couples). Out of these 240 families, 150 elderly males
and females living in varying familial patterns were selected systematically.

Group – II: Children and Grand Children

50 Children and 50 grandchildren of the core group were also included to assess their
perception towards aged, ageing process and the adjustments required both by family
members and aged parents.
52
Group – III: NGO’s
The third group included those NGO’s who were actively working in the area of
geriatric care in Jammu District.
Criteria for Sample Selection:
Group – 1: Elderly
• Age: Elderly in the age group of 60 years and above were selected.
• Sex: Both males and females were included as the sample.
• Duration of stay and Residence: Only those aged and their families were
included who have been living in Jammu for the last 30 years.
Group – II: Children and Grand Children:
Only those children and grandchildren were selected who were living with their aged
parents and grand parents.
Group – III: NGO’s
Only those NGO’s were included in this group who are actively working for the aged
in Jammu District.
Sampling Technique:
The sample for the study was selected through multistage sampling procedure, from
urban areas of Jammu City and its urban outgrowth as notified in advertisement (No. DIP/J-
1382 dated 19.08.2004, Government. of Jammu and Kashmir, civil Secretariat: Housing
and Urban Development Department). From the list of 113 urban areas, 23 areas were
selected through systematic random sampling i.e. every 5th area was selected. (Flow Chart
No.3.3). From this area the sample was systematically selected after the presurvey through
which the different family patterns, in which the aged are living, were identified. The details
of sampling are given in Flow Diagram No.3.2.

53
 MAP OF URBAN AREAS OF JAMMU CITY

Source : The Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) of Jammu and Kashmir

54
 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

Population of elderly
(60 +) living in Jammu urban and its
outgrowths
(5.9 Lacs; 54% males &46% females)
Source : Census, 2001

Family units NGO’s Purposively

Snowball having (60+ years)
Sampling (n = 300)

Systematic Elderly Children and Grand Purposively

random Children living with
Sampling elderly

150 150 50 50 Grand

Males Females Children Children

Flow Diagram No. 3.2: Sampling Technique for Elderly living in Jammu Urban
TOOLS USED:
1) Observation:
i) Observation of living conditions and familial interactions of the
elderly and their families
2) Interview Schedules:
i) Interview schedule for aged
ii) Interview schedule for children
iii) Interview schedule for grand children
3) Rating Scales for elderly:
i) Shamshad – Jasbir Old age Adjustment Inventory (SJOAI)
ii) SES Scale
iii) Life Satisfaction Scale
4) Interview Guide for NGO’s:
i) Interview Guide for NGO’s
55
 TOOLS USED

•
FOR FOR CHILDREN FOR NGO’s
ELDERLY AND GRAND
CHILDREN

Interview Guide

Observation
Observation

Interview Schedule
Interview Schedule
•

Shamshad Jasbir Old
•
Age Adjustment
•
Inventory (SJOAI)

Socio-Economic Status
•
Scale
•

Life Satisfaction Scale

Flow Diagram No. 3.3 : Tools used for the Sample

1) Observation:
Observations were done on the living arrangements, care taken by the family
members and their interactions with each other. This was done to know the place of the
elderly in their families.
2)(i) Interview Schedule for Aged:
The interview schedule consisted of 2 sections -
Section – I
It contains general information on the demographic profile of the respondents.

Section - II
It includes questions which were organized under 7 broad headings:
a) Perception regarding ageing
b) Satisfaction regarding care provided by children
c) Familial support during illness
d) Financial assistance provided by children
f) Feeling of change in status after retirement

56
 g) Familial interaction
h) Attitude towards life
ii) Interview Schedule for Children:
Interview schedule for children has been used to know their perception regarding
ageing, support provided by children to aged parents and vice versa, children’s satisfaction
regarding support provided by them, their inter-personal relationship, etc.
iii) Interview Schedule for Grand children:
Interview schedule for grandchildren was devised to gather the information regarding
their perception towards aged people, relationship with grand parents, their suggestions
regarding welfare of aged in family and society, etc.
3) Rating Scales for elderly:
i) Shamshad – Jasbir Old Age Adjustment Inventory (SJOAI):
Shamsahd Hussain and Jasbir Kour (1991) was administered on the sample of old
aged males and females ranging between 50 – 65 years of age belonging to different
categories: those on the verge of retirement, those already retired and those who are in active
service. It consist of 125 items in the form of questions. All the items are to be answered in
‘Yes’ or ‘No’. The inventory measures problems of adjustment faced by aged people in areas
of home, health, social, marital, emotional and financial adjustment.
Before administering this scale on the present sample, it was translated into Hindi
with the help of experts. Care was taken to formulate simple sentences without changing the
meaning implied.

Scoring of Adjustment Inventory:

The responses are scored areawise. ‘One’ score was given to the response in the
direction of adjustment and ‘0’ (Zero) to the response in the direction of maladjustment. The
higher score indicates better adjustment. The sum of scores in different areas provides a
measure of overall adjustment.
The reliability co-efficient of the scale is 0.91. The adjustment inventory was
validated using the construct validation procedure by applying product moment correlation
and by comparing the mean scores of the high and low adjusted groups on three variables.
ii) Socio – Economic Scale:
It is devised by S.C. Tiwari, Aditya Kumar and Ambrish Kumar (Department of
Geriatric Mental Health, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India, 2004). The

57
scale aims to assess the socio - economic status in rural and urban communities in India. The
scale has seven profiles which are rated on 10 – point scale. The profiles of SES scale:
a) House Profile
b) Material Possessions Profile
c) Educational Profile
d) Occupational Profile
e) Economic Profile
f) Possessed Land / House Cost Profile
g) Social Profile
The reliability and validity of the scale was established through a defined Visual
Analogue Scale (VAS) and test – retest methods. The reliability of the scale was high with a
correlation co-efficient of 0.998 and concurrent validity was tested and has been found to be
high.
iii) Life Satisfaction Scale:
Life Satisfaction Scale (L-S Scale) devised by Dr. Promila Singh and George Joseph,
from National Psychological Corporation, in 1971. This scale is a five point rating scale
ranging from always, often, sometimes, seldom and never. The scale was constructed by
considering the five dimensions of life satisfaction-
a) Taking pleasure in everyday activities
b) Considering life meaningful
c) Holding a positive self image
d) Having happy and optimistic out look
e) Feeling success in achieving goals
The test – retest reliability computed to be 0.91. The Validity of the scale, co-efficient
of correlation was computed and found to be 0.83.
4) Interview Guide For NGO’s:
The interview guide consisted of 2 sections -
Section – I
It contains general information of the organization.
Section –II
It includes following sub headings:
a) Goal of the organization
b) Type of beneficiaries covered
c) Services to be provided
58
 d) Funding agency
e) Financial sources
DATA COLLECTION:
The procedures for data collection involved following phases-
a) Phase – I : Pretesting of tools
All the tools were pretested on 10% of the sample other than that used for present
study. Before administering the tools on the present sample, Shamshad-Jasbir Old age
adjustment inventory (SJOAI) was translated into Hindi with the help of experts. After
pretesting, Interview schedules were modified as per the felt need, and were readied for use.
b) Phase – II: Data Collection
Aged (both males and females):
In the initial stages of data collection, house to house survey was conducted and in
some areas, management committee members of ‘Home for Aged and Infirm’ were
approached for contacting elderly who were in the age group of 60 years and above and
living in varying familial patterns through snowball sampling technique. The data collection
took approximately 12-14 months with the elderly.
The researcher first built a rapport with the aged through informal discussions by
paying 3-4 visits in each family. They were explained the objectives of the present study.
Initially few aged females were not interested to share their feelings regarding care and
support provided by children in the family but after the assurance of confidentiality they were
willing to share the information. All the tools were administered one by one on the sample.
Interview schedules and rating scales were filled up simultaneously. As most of the sample
were unable to fill the scales due to their weak eyesight and health problems they were helped
in doing so. Most of the sample was unable to sit and respond to the researcher for a long
time hence half of the rating scales were filled on one day and the rest were filled on an
another day. This process took a long time. While interviewing them, assistance was provided
to them where the need was felt. The aged females were less cooperative as compared to
males because they didn’t want to disclose the situation arising in their families. In such
cases, the researcher also discussed similar issues found in other families, convincing them to
respond involved a lot of time. Such problems were not faced in case of interviewing the
aged males.
Children and Grand children:
Firstly rapport was established with children and grand children through an informal
discussion. They were then told about the objectives of the present study. Personal visits were
59
conducted to gather the required information. In some families, aged sons’ and grand sons’
were unwilling to provide the information so only those respondents were included as the
sample who was willing to share the information. All the grand daughters and daughters-in-
laws selected for the study were very cooperative as none of them felt hesitant in providing
the related information to the researcher. They showed positive attitude and supplied the
required information.
DATA ANALYSIS:
The present study is mainly qualitative in nature and the data obtained by using
observation, interview schedules and interview guide have mainly been analyzed using
content analysis method. The quantitative data obtained through the use of tools was analyzed
by calculating frequencies and computing percentages. Appropriate statistical tests like mean,
standard deviation, t-test and Co-efficient of Correlation have been used to understand and
compare the care provided and the adjustment and life satisfaction of the elderly in different
familial patterns. The data has been diagrammatically and graphically represented too.

60
 RESULTS

The results of the present study have been organized as follows:

4.1 Familial patterns of the elderly living in Jammu (Urban)
4.2 Psycho-Social profile of aged living in varying familial patterns.
4.3 Familial interactions of the elderly
4.4 Care and support provided to the elderly
4.5 Perception of family towards elderly, ageing process and adjustments required both
by family and elderly
a) Children’s perception towards elderly parents
b) Grandchildren’s perception towards grandparents
4.6 Role of non-governmental organizations in the area of geriatric care
4.7 Intervention
PATTERNS IN WHICH THE ELDERLY LIVE IN JAMMU
TABLE 4.1: Showing family patterns of the Elderly living in Jammu city
Settings Males (n=150) Females (n=150) Total (n=300)
f % f % f %
- Couples living alone 30 (20) 30 (20) 60 (20)
(CLA)
- Couples living with 30 (20) 30 (20) 60 (20)
children (CLWC)
- Widows living with ----- 22 (15) 22 (7.33)
married children (WLMC)
- Widowers living with 35 (23.33) ----- 35 (12)
married children (WDLMC)
- Widows living with ----- 28 (19) 28 (9.33)
married daughters (WLMD)
- Widowers living with 5 (3.33) ----- 5 (2)
married daughters
(WDLMD)
- Widows living alone ----- 40 (27) 40 (13.33)
(WLA)
- Widowers living alone 17 (11.33) ----- 17 (6)
(WDLA)
- Widowers living with 6 (4) ----- 6 (2)
friends (WDLF)
- Aged males living alone 27 (18) ----- 27 (9)
(AMLA)
%ages in parentheses

61
 Figure 4.1: Varying Familial Patterns of the Elderly living in Jammu City (Urban)

Figure 4.2: Percentage distribution of males and females living in varying familial
patterns

The results of the study reveal the various family patterns, in which elderly are living,
after conducting survey in Jammu City and its urban outgrowths. The varying familial

62
patterns have emerged due to modernization and migration of the elderly or their families
from their native places, which has eroded the traditional joint family system into nuclear
families taking various forms. The survey reveals that there are 10 varying familial patterns
in which elderly are living in Jammu. Out of the total sample (n=300) ‘two’ of the patterns
are based on couples i.e. 20% are Couples living alone and 20% are Couples living with
children; in ‘two’ patterns the single surviving spouse are living alone i.e. 13% widows are
living alone and 6% widowers are living alone; ‘four’ patterns are based on the surviving
spouse in different setting i.e. 12% widowers are living with married children, 9% widows
are living with married daughters, 7% widows are living with married sons and 2% widowers
are living with married daughters. The other ‘two’ family patterns are aged males (9%) who
are living alone while their spouses are living with their married children staying outside
Jammu and 2% widowers are living with friends.
Out of 150 males, 23% widowers are living with married children (WDLMC), 20%
are living with their spouses but without children (CLA), 20% are living with their wives and
children (CLWC), 18% are living alone (AMLA), while their spouses are living with their
children, 11% are widowers who are living alone (WDLA); 4% widowers are living with
friends (WDLF) and 3% are living with their married daughters (WDLMD). Out of 150
females, 27% are widows who are living alone (WLA), 20% are living with their spouses but
without children (CLA), 20% are living with their wives and children (CLWC), 19% widows
are living with married daughters (WLMD) and 15% widows are living with married children
(WLMC).
Out of the total sub-sample (n=150), in case of males, almost widowers i.e (23%) are
living with married children, Couples i.e. CLA (20% males) are living alone and CLWC each
(20% males) are living with children, Aged males (18%) are living alone and widowers
(11%) are living alone; 4% are living with friends and nearly 3% are living with married
daughters. Out of the total sub-sample (n=150), in case of females, mostly widows i.e. (27%)
are living alone, Couples i.e. CLA (20% females) are living alone and CLWC each (20%
females) are living with children, widows (19%) are living with married daughters and nearly
15% are widowers living with married children.

63
 TABLE 4.1.1 (a) : Showing the demographic profile of the elderly living in varying familial patterns
Variables CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Females Males Females
(n=30) (n=30) (n=30) (n=30) (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)
Age wise distribution (inyears)
60-64 years 8 (7.40) 13 (12.03) 12 (11.11) 19 (17.59) 8 (7.40) 16 (15) 8 (7.40) 2 (2) 7 (6.48) 4 94) 3 (3) 8 (7.40) 108 (36)
65-69 years 15 (10.20) 12 (8.16) 16 (11) 8 (5.44) 9 (6.12) 18 (12.24) 15 (10.20) 3 (2.04) 21 (14.28) 10 (7) 2 (1.36) 18 (12.24) 147 (49)
70 years and above 7 (15.55) 5 (11.11) 2 (4.44) 3 (7) 5 (11.11) 1 (2.22) 5 (11.11) ------- 12 (27) 3 (7) 1 (2.22) 1 (2.22) 45 (15)
Educational Qualification
Illiterate 5 (5.26) 4 (4.21) 4 (4.21) 5 (5.26) 11 (11.57) 10 (10.52) 16 (17) 1 (1.05) 26 (27.36) 5 (5.26) 3 (3.15) 5 (5.26) 95 (32)
1st – 5th Standard 1 (1.42) 8 (11.42) 7 (10) 10 (14.28) 6 (8.57) 8 (11.42) 7 (10) 1 (1.42) 11 (16) 3 (4.28) 2 (3) 6 (8.57) 70 (23.33)
th th
6 – 12 Standard 15 (15) 16 (16) 15 (15) 12 (12) 5 (5) 13 (13) 5 (5) 1 (1) 3 (3) 5 (5) 1 (1) 10 (10) 101 (34)
Graduate 8 (30) 1 (4) 3 (11.11) 3 (11.11) ------- 2 (7.40) ------- 2 (7.40) ------- 2 (7.40) ------- 6 (22.22) 27 (9)
Post Graduate 1 (17) 1 (17) 1 (17) ------- ------- 1 (17) ------- ------- ------- 2 (33.33) ------- ------- 6 (2)
Doctorate ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 1 (100) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 1 (0.33)
Socio –Economic Status (S.E.S)
Upper Class 1 (8.33) 1 (8.33) ------- ------- ------- 1 (8.33) ------- ------- 3 (25) 2 (17) ------- 4 (33.33) 12 (4)
Upper Middle Class 10 (13.51) 10 (13.51) 7 (9.45) 7 (9.45) 7 (9.45) 10 (13.51) 2 (3) 1 (1.35) 9 (12.16) 3 (4.05) ------- 8 (11) 74 (25)
Middle Class 6 (6) 6 (6) 10 (9.43) 10 (9.43) 9 (8.49) 15 (14.15) 15 (14.15) 3 (3) 11 (10.37) 9 (8.49) 1 (1) 11 (10.37) 106 (35.33)
Lower Middle Class 12 (15.58) 12 (15.58) 6 (8) 6 (8) 4 (519) 8 (10.38) 8 (10.38) 1 (1.29) 13 (17) 1 (1.29) 3 (4) 3(4) 77 (26)
Lower Class 1 (3.22) 1 (3.22) 7 (22.58) 7 (22.58) 2 (6.45) 1 (3.22) 3 (10) ------- 4 (13) 2 (6.45) 2 (6.45) 1 (3.22) 31 (10.33)

%ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females

CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 PSYCHO SOCIAL PROFILE OF ELDERLY:
BACKGROUND PROFILE OF ELDERLY ACCORDING TO THE FAMILIAL
PATTERN
Table 4.1.1 (a) reveals that majority (49%) of the total respondents i.e. WLA (14%),
WDLMC and AMLA (12%) CLWC (11% males), WLMD (10%) and CLA each (10%
males) were in the age group of 65-69 years whereas 36% of the sample i.e. CLWC (17%
females), WDLMC (15%), Couples i.e. CLA and CLWC (12% females and 11% males) were
in the age group of 60-64 years.
34 percent of the total respondents i.e. Couples, CLA (16% females and 15% males)
and CLWC (15% males and 12% females) and WDLMC (13%) were educated between 6th –
12th standard. 32% of the respondents i.e. widows and widowers, WLA (27%), WLMD
(17%), WLMC (11%) and WDLMC (10%) were illiterate whereas 23% of them i.e. Couples,
CLWC (14% females) and CLA (11% females) and WDLMC each (11%) were educated
between 1st - 5th standard.
According to the SES scale used, 35% of the total respondents i.e. Widows and
widowers, WLMD and WDLMC each (14%), WLA and AMLA (10%), CLWC (9% males
and females) and WLMC and WDLA each (8%,) belong to “middle class”. 26% of them i.e.
WLA(17%), CLA (15%males and females) and widows and widowers i.e. WLMD and
WDLMC (10%), belong to “lower middle class” whereas 25% of the respondents i.e. CLA
(13% males and females), WDLMC (13%), WLA (12%), WLMC (9%) and CLWC each (9%
males and females), belong to “upper middle class”.

1
 TABLE 4.1.1 (b) : Showing perception of the elderly regarding the process of “ageing”
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Females Males Females
(n=30) ( n=30) (n=30) ( n=30) (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)
When does a person becomes old:-
*Criteria :
a) Age :
(i) After 55 years 16 (9.46) 27 (16) 13 (8) 10 (6) 17 (10.05) 5 (3) 16 (9.46) 3 (2) 28 (16.56) 11 (6.50) 5 (3) 18 (11) 169 (56.33)
(ii) After 60 years 19 (11) 11 (6.25) 9 (5.11) 14 (8) 19 (11) 28 (16) 12 (7) 2 (1.13) 32 (18.18) 6 (3.40) 3 (2) 21 (12) 176 (59)
b) Physical weakness :
(i) Not able to do work 27 (11.44) 28(12) 19 (8.05) 30 (13) 21 (9) 31 (13.13) 11 (5) 5 (2.11) 36 (15.25) 8 (3.38) 6 (2.54) 14 (6) 236 (79)
(ii) Dependant on children 4 (5) 1 (1.21) 8 (10) 6 (7.31) 11 (13.41) 16 (19.51) 9 (11) 2 (2.43) 12 (15) 5 (6.09) 2 (2.43) 6 (7.31) 82 (27.33)
c) Emptynest feeling
(i) When ‘children leave us alone’ 17 (14.40) 23 (19.49) 12 (10.16) 20 (17) 6 (5.08) 7 (6) 8 (7) 1 (1) 5 (4.23) 6 (5.08) 4 (3.38) 9 (8) 118 (39.33)
(ii) After retirement from job. 27 (22.5) 2 (2) 23 (19.16) 3 (2.5) 5 (4.16) 28 (23.33) 9 (7.5) 3 (2.5) ----- 5 (4.16) 3 (2.5) 12 (10) 120 (40)
Kind of help do aged need form their -
a) Children:-
(i) Look after properly 28 (11) 30 (12) 29 (11.37) 30 (12) 22 (9) 30 (12) 13 (5.09) 5 (2) 36 (14.11) 10 (4) 2 (1) 20 (8) 255 (85)
(ii) Respect them 30 (11.27) 30 (11.27) 22 (8.27) 30 (11.27) 22 (8.27) 27 (10.15) 25 (9.39) 5 (2) 31 (12) 17 (6.39) 6 (2.25) 21 (8) 266 (89)
(iii) Devote some time with then 12 (7.01) 25 (15) 15 (9) 25 (15) 14 (8.18) 19 (11.11) 17 (10) 2 (1.16) 23 (13.45) 6 (3.50) 1 (0.58) 12 (7.01) 171 (57)
(iv) No need for help 21 (26.25) 4 (5) 9 (11.25) ----- 7 (9) 8 (10) 5 (6.25) 1 (1.25) 2 (2.5) 2 (2.5) 4 (5) 17 (21.25) 80 (27)
b) Grand children :
(i) Give respect 26 (10.35) 29 (11.55) 30 (12) 30 (12) 22 (9) 32 (13) 15 (6) 5 (2) 17 (7) 15 (6) 5 (2) 25 (10) 251 (84)
(ii) Spend some time 4 (3.47) 15 (13.04) 25 (22) 30 (26.08) 8 (7) 5 (4.34) 5 (4.54) 1 (1) 9 (8) 4 (3.47) ----- 9 (8) 115 (38.33)
(iii) Feel that we are their grand parents 18 (12.24) 6 (4.08) 30 (20.40) 15 (10.20) 12 (8.16) 28 (19.04) 7 (5) 3 (2.04) 6 (4.08) 3 (2.04) 1 (1) 18 (12.24) 147 (49)
(iv) No need for help 6 (8.33) 1 (1.38) ----- ----- 4 (5.55) ----- 3 (4.16) 2 (3) 22 (30.55) 10 (14) 3 (4.16) 21 (29.16) 72 (24)
Kind of help did you provide to your aged parents
(i) Gave respect 30 (11) 30 (11) 30 (11) 30 (11) 19 (7) 32 (11.51) 26 (9.35) 5 (2) 31 (11.51) 17 (6.11) 6 (2.15) 22 (8) 278 (93)
(ii) Spent time with them 30 (14.01) 19 (9) 22 (10.28) 28 (13.08) 22 (10.28) 15 (7) 19 (9) 4 (2) 27 (13) 10 (5) 2 (1) 16 (7.47) 214 (71.33)
(iii) Gave moral and financial support 26 (14.28) 9 (5) 26 (14.28) 15 (8.24) 16 (9) 25 (14) 14 (8) 3 (2) 14 (8) 9 (5) 6 (3.29) 19 (10.43) 182 (61)
Feel any changes regarding care provided by your children?
Yes 21 (9.54) 11 (5) 30 (14) 23 (10.45) 15 (7) 21 (9.54) 23 (10.45) 5 (2.27) 38 (17.27) 11 (5) 6 (2.72) 16 (7.27) 220 (73.33)
No 9 (11.25) 19(24) ----- 7 (9) 7 (9) 14 (17.5) 5 (6.25) ----- 2 (2.5) 6 (7.5) ----- 11 (14) 80 (27)
If yes, what type of change?
(i) No concern shown 18 (14.28) 1 (1) 13 (10.31) 8 (6.34) 7 (5.55) 18 (14.28) 9 (7.14) 2 (1.58) 33 (26.19) 8 (6.34) 4 (3.17) 5 (4) 126 (42)
(ii) Provide little time 6 (5) 10 (8) 17 (13.17) 20 (15.50) 13 (10.07) 1 (1) 18 (14) 3 (2.32) 26 (20.15) 4 (3.10) 1 (1) 10 (8) 129 (43)
(iii) Superficial behaviour 4 (4) 2 (2) 25 (24.27) 2 (2) 6 (6) 3 (3) 14 (13.59) 1 (1) 36 (35) 6 (6) 3(3) 1 (1) 103 (34.33)
(iv) Can’t provide help 3 (4) 4 (5) 10 (12.19) 12 (15) 2 (2.43) 13 (16) 7 (8.53) 2 (2.43) 19 (23.17) 2 (2.43) 5 (6.09) 3 (4) 82 (27.33)
* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females
CLA : Couples living alone AMLA : Aged males living alone
CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters
WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters WLA : Widows living alone
WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends

1
 PERCEPTION OF ELDERLY REGARDING ‘AGEING’
Table 4.1.1 (b) reveals that the ‘criteria’ which emerges for defining old age among
the respondents is – age, physical strength and ‘empty nest’ feeling. Taking physical
weakness as criteria, 79% of the total sample i.e. WLA (15%), WDLMC (13%) Couples,
(CLWC; 13% females and CLA; 12% females and 11% males), reported that “old age begins
when one is not able to work”. Taking age as criteria, 59% of them i.e. WLA (18%),
WDLMC (16%), AMLA (12%), CLA (11% males) and WLMC each (11%) stated that “it
begins after 60 years of age”. 56% of the total sample i.e. WLA (16%), CLA (16% females),
AMLA (11%), WLMC (10%), WLMD (9%) and CLA each (9% males), believe that “it
starts after 55 years of age”. It is interesting to note that 40% of the total respondents i.e.
WDLMC (23%), CLA (22% males), CLWC (19% males) and AMLA (10%) believe that “it
is the time after retirement” whereas 39% of them, mostly Couples i.e. CLA (19% females
and 14% males) and CLWC (17% females & 10% males) stated that “it is the time when
children leave them alone”.
Figure 4.1.1: Kind of help aged need from children and grandchildren
30

25

20

15

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

Look af ter property Respect tem Devote some time w ith them No need f or help

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

Give respect Spend some time Feel that w e are their grand parents No need f or help

1
 Regarding care and assistance needed from children and grand children, 89% of the
total respondents i.e. WLA (12%), Couples i.e. CLA ( 11% males and females) and CLWC
each (11% females), WDLMC (10%) and WLMD (9%), said “children should give respect”
to aged parents. 85 percent of the respondents i.e. WLA (14%), WDLMC (12%), CLA and
CLWC each (12% females and 11% males) and WLMC (9%), said that “children should
look after them”. 57 percent of the total sample, Couples i.e. CLA and CLWC each (15%
females), WLA (13%), WDLMC (11%), WLMD (10%) and CLWC (9% males), said that
“children should devote some time with them”. 84% of the total sample i.e. WDLMC (13%),
CLWC (12% males and females), CLA (11% of females and 10% males), AMLA (10%) and
WLMC (9%), believe that “grand children should also give them respect”. 49 percent of the
total sample i.e. CLWC (20% males), WDLMC (19%), AMLA (12%), CLA (12% males) and
CLWC (10% females), believe that they “should feel they are their grandparents”. 38
percent of them, Couples i.e. CLWC (26% females and 22% males) and CLA (13% females),
reported that grandparents “should spend some time with them”.
Regarding the care that the ‘aged’ themselves provided to their aged parents, 93% of
the total respondents, i.e. Widows and Widowers (WDLMC 11% and WLA 11% each),
Couples, (CLA and CLWC each, 11% males and 11 % females), and WLMD (9% ), said that
they “gave respect to them”. 71 percent of the respondents i.e. CLA (14% males and 9%
females), CLWC (13% females and 10% males), WLA (13%), WLMC (10%) and WLMD
(9%), said that they used to “spent time with them” whereas 61% of them, CLA and CLWC
(14% males), and WDLMC each (14%), AMLA (10%) and WLMC (9%), replied that they
used to “gave moral and financial support to them”.
Comparing the change in the care ‘aged’ themselves provided to their parents and the
‘Care’ now their children are providing to them, 73% of the total respondents i.e. WLA
(17%), CLWC (14% males and 10% females), and WLMD each (10%), CLA (9% males),
and WDLMC (9% each), said that they “feel there is a change in care provided by their
children”. 27 percent of them, CLA (24% females and 11% males), WDLMC (17%), AMLA
(14%), WLMC (9%) and CLWC (9% females), observe that they “feel there is no change in
care provided by their children”.
Stating the reasons for generational change in ‘Care practices of aged’, 43% of the
total respondents i.e. WLA (20%), CLWC (15% females and 13% males), WLMD (14%),
and WLMC (10%), said that “children provide little time” to them; followed by 42% of the
total respondents i.e. WLA (26%), WDLMC (14%) and CLA each (14% males) and CLWC
(10% males), believe that “children don’t show concern” towards them. 34 percent of them
2
i.e. WLA (35%) CLWC (24% males) and WLMD (13%), complained that children “show
superficial behaviour” towards them.

3
 TABLE 4.1.1 (c) : Showing perception regarding change in health condition of elderly
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Females Males Females
(n=30) (n=30) (n=30) (n=30) (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)
Feel any change in your health?
Yes 21(9.33) 30(13.33) 18(8) 30(13.33) 19(8.44) 13(6) 28(12.44) 2(1) 39(17.33) 6(3) 3(1.33) 16(7.11) 225(75)
No 9(12) ----- 12(16) ----- 3(4) 22(29.33) ----- 3(4) 1(1.33) 11(15) 3(4) 11(15) 75(25)
If yes, what type of change?
(i) General weakness 14(9.33) 2(1.33) 18(12) 25(17) 18(12) 11(7.33) 14(9.33) 2(1.33) 32(21.33) 2(1.33) 3(2) 9(6) 150(50)
(ii) Weak Eyesight 4(3.22) 5(4.03) 14(11.29) 27(22) 11(9) 3(2.41) 20(16.12) 1(1) 28(22.58) 3(2.41) 2(2) 6(5) 124(41.33)
(iii) Joints Pain 2(1.34) 23(15.43) 9(6.04) 30(20.13) 17(11.40) 1(1) 24(16.10) ----- 36(24.16) 2(1.34) 1(1) 4(3) 149(50)
(iv) Forget things easily 1(6) ----- 3(18) 1(6) ----- 4(23.52) 2(12) ----- 2(12) ----- 1(6) 3(18) 17(6)
How do you cope up with these changes?
(i) It’s a universal 18(12.08) 11(7.38) 16(11) 16(11) 14(9.39) 4(3) 18(12.08) 3(2.01) 29(19.46) 4(3) 3(2.01) 13(9) 149(50)
phenomenon
(ii) Feel that these are ----- 17(17) 9(9) 12(12) 5(5) ----- 21(21) ----- 34(34) 1(1) 1(1) 1(1) 101(34)
due to our bad deeds
(iii) Old are considered 3(4) 2(2.53) 18(23) 10(13) 6(7.59) 9(11.39) 11(14) 1(1.26) 7(9) 3(4) 3(4) 6(7.59) 79(26.33)
as “spare parts”

* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females
CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 PERCEPTION REGARDING CHANGE IN HEALTH CONDITION OF ELDERLY
It is evident from the Table 4.1.1 (c) that majority (75%) of the total respondents i.e. WLA
(17%), Couples i.e. CLA and CLWC each (13% females), WLMD (12%) and CLA (9%
males) “feel changes” in their health, whereas 25% of them i.e. WDLMC (29%), CLWC
(16% males), WDLA and AMLA each (15%) and CLA (12% males) “don’t feel changes” in
their health. 50 percent of the total respondents i.e. WLA (24%), CLWC (20% females),
WLMD (16%), CLA (15% females) and WLMC (11%), perceive the change they feel in their
body is “general weakness” whereas equal percentage i.e. 50% of them, WLA (21%),
CLWC (17% females and 12% males), WLMC (12%), WLMD (9%) and CLA (9% males)
feel “pain in their joints”; 41 percent of the total respondents i.e. WLA (22%) and CLWC
each (22% females), WLMD (16%) and CLWC (11% males), feel that their “eyesight has
weakened”.

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

It's a universal phenomenon Feel that these are due to our bad deeds
Old are considered as "spare parts"

Figure 4.1.2: Perception regarding change in health

50 percent of the total respondents i.e. WLA (19%), WLMD (12%) and CLA each
(12% males), CLWC (11% males and 11% females each respectively), WLMC and AMLA
(9% each), believe that they have coped up with these bodily changes believing that “it is a
universal phenomenon” whereas 34% of the total respondents i.e. WLA (34%), WLMD
(21%), CLA (17% females) and CLWC (12% females and 9% males), believe that these
changes are “due to our bad deeds (karma)”. 26 percent of them, CLWC (23% males and
13% females), WLMD (14%), WDLMC (11%) and WLA (9%), said that they have coped up
with these changes believing that they are now “spare parts”.

1
 TABLE 4.1.1 (d1) : ♦ Showing perception of change in utilization of time after retirement

Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WDLMD WDLA TOTAL

Males Females Males Females (n=10) (n=35) (n=5) (n=17) (n=125)

(n=27) (n=4) (n=19) (n=8)
Before retirement how did you spend your time?*
(i) Reading newspaper 10(17) 2(3.33) 12(20) 6(10) 3(5) 16(27) 3(5) 8(13.33) 60(48)

(ii) Playing cards 5(29.41) ----- 6(35.29) ----- ----- 3(18) 1(6) 2(12) 17(14)

(iii) Attend clubs 2(25) ----- 2(25) 1(12.5) ----- 1(12.5) 1(12.5) 1(12.5) 8(6.4)

(iv) Visit religious places 6(19) 2(6.25) 4(12.5) 7(22) 5(16) 5(16) 2(6.25) 1(3.12) 32(26)

(v) Meet with friends 6(14.28) ----- 15(36) 3(7.14) 2(5) 10(24) 1(2.38) 5(12) 42(34)
Feel that your hobbies have changed now?
Yes 6(11.53) 3(6) 7(13.46) 4(8) 6(11.53) 19(36.53) 2(4) 5(10) 52(42)

No 21(29) 1(1.36) 12(16.43) 4(5.47) 4(5.47) 16(22) 3(4.10) 12(16.43) 73(58.4)

At what time do you feel lonely and isolated in your home?

(i) Day time 10(19) ----- 6(11.32) 5(9.43) 8(15.09) 12(23) 3(6) 9(17) 53(42.4)
(ii) Whole day 4(14.28) 1(3.57) 4(14.28) 1(3.57) 1(3.57) 10(36) 2(7.14) 5(18) 28(22.4)

(iii) Not applicable 13(29.54) 3(7) 9(20.45) 2(4.54) 1(2.27) 13(29.54) ----- 3(7) 44(35.2)

How do you spend that time?*

(i) Converse with spouse 5(31.25) ----- 9(56.25) 2(1.5) NA N.A. N.A N.A. 16(13)

(ii) Read religious books 3(16) 1(5.26) 2(10.52) 3(16) 4(21.05) 2(10.52) ----- 4(21.05) 19(15.2)
(iii) Sleeping /Perform domestic chores 9(18) 3(6) ----- 6(12) 7(14) 12(24) 2(4) 11(22) 50(40)

(iv) Watching T.V./Reading news paper 10(17) 2(3.33) 8(13.33) 2(3.33) 2(3.33) 24(40) 3(5) 9(15) 60(48)

* Multiple responses N.A. Not Applicable %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females

CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 PERCEPTION REGARDING CHANGE IN TIME UTILIZATION AFTER
RETIREMENT (Applicable only to those who have retired from formal / regular service)
It is evident from the Table 4.1.1 (d1) that out of the total sample (n=125), majority
(48%) of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (27%), CLWC (20% males and 10% females),
CLA (17% males) and WDLA (13%), said that before retirement, they used to spend their
leisure time by “reading newspaper” whereas 34% of the total respondents i.e. CLWC (36%
males), WDLMC (24%), CLA (14%) and WDLA (12%) spent their time with “friends”;
followed by 26% of the total respondents, Couples i.e. CLWC (22% females and 12% males)
and CLA (19% males), WLMC and WDLMC (16% each), said that they “paid obeisance to
religious places”. 58 percent of the total respondents i.e. CLA (29% males), WDLMC
(22%), WDLA (16%) and CLWC each (16% males) “don’t feel change” in their hobbies
after retirement whereas 42% of them i.e. WDLMC (36%), CLWC (13% males), CLA (11%
males) and WLMC each (11%) and WDLA (10%) feel that their “hobbies have changed
now”.

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Males Females Males Females

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WDLMD WDLA

Day time Whole day Not applicable

Figure 4.1.3: Perception regarding change in utilization of time after retirement

42 percent of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (23%), CLA (19% males), WDLA
(17%), WLMC (15%) and CLWC (11% males and 9% females) feel lonely and isolated at
home during “day time” whereas 35% of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC and CLA
each(29% males) and CLWC (20% males) “don’t face the problem of passing time”. 48
percent of the total sample i.e. WDLMC (40%), CLA (17% males) WDLA (15%) and CLWC
(13% males) spend their time by either “watching T.V. or reading newspaper”, whereas

1
40% of them, WDLMC (24%), WDLA (22%), CLA (18% males), WLMC (14%) and CLWC
(12% females), spend their time by either “sleeping or doing household chores”.

2
 TABLE 4.1.1 (d2): ♦ Showing perception of change in the status of aged after retirement
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WDLMD WDLA TOTAL

Males Females Males Females (n=10) (n=35) (n=5) (n=17) (n=125)

(n=27) (n=4) (n=19) (n=8)
Feel that after retirement, a person is not as much respected as before?
Yes 19(27) 2(3) 15(21.12) 3(4.22) 8(11.26) 11(15.49) 4(6) 9(13) 71(57)
No 8(15) 2(4) 4(7.40) 5(9.25) 2(4) 24(44.44) 1(2) 8(15) 54(43.2)
If yes why?*

(i) It’s a universal 14(38) 1(3) 5(13.51) 2(5.40) 5(13.51) 2(5.40) 2(5.40) 6(16.21) 37(30)
phenomenon
(ii) Consider as ‘Spare 6(20) ----- 4(13.33) ----- 7(23.33) 9(30) 1(3.33) 3(10) 30(24)
parts’
(iii) Can’t fulfill children’s need after retirement 7(42) 1(4.54) 6(27.27) 1(4.54) 2(9.09) ----- 3(14) 2(9.09) 22(18)

Who took decisions at home before retirement?*

(i) Myself 23(24) ----- 19(19.58) ----- 4(4.12) 30(31) 4(4.12) 17(17.52) 97(78)
(ii) Myself & Spouse 9(29.03) 4(13) 7(22.58) 7(22.58) N.A. 3(10) 1(3.22) ----- 31(25)
(iii) Myself &Children 2(14.28) 2(14.28) 1(7.14) 1(43) 6(14.28) 2(3.22) ----- ----- 14(11.2)
Feeling any change in decision making after retirement?
Yes 16(31) 2(4) 7(13.46) 5(10) 5(10) 9(17.30) 4(8) 4(8) 52(42)
No 11(15.06) 2(3) 12(16.43) 3(4.10) 5(7) 26(36) 1(1.36) 13(18) 73(58.4)

If yes, what type of change?

(i) Children think that we don’t know anything 7(27) 2(8) 5(19.23) 4(15.38) 3(11.53) 4(15.38) 1(4) ----- 26(21)

(ii) Don’t want to take our suggestions 9(35) ----- 2(8) 1(4) 2(8) 5(19.23) 3(11.53) 4(15.38) 26(21)

* Multiple responses N.A. Not Applicable %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females

CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 PERCEPTION REGARDING CHANGE IN STATUS AFTER RETIREMENT

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Males Fem ales Males Fem ales

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WDLMD WDLA

Yes No

Figure 4.1.4: Perception regarding change in status after retirement

Results reveal from Table 4.1.1 (d2) that 57% of the total sample, Couples (CLA;
27% males and CLWC; 21% males), WDLMC (15%), WDLA (13%) and WLMC (11%),
believe that a person is “not as much respected” after retiring from the job whereas 43% of
them i.e. WDLMC (44%), WDLA and CLA each (15% males) “don’t feel the change in
respect” ; 30 percent of the total respondents i.e. CLA (38% males), WDLA (16%), WLMC
(13%) and CLWC each (13% males), believe that “it is a universal phenomenon” that a
person is not given much respect after retirement, whereas 24% of the total respondents i.e.
WDLMC (30%), WLMC (23%), CLA (20% males), CLWC (13% males) and WDLA (10%),
believe that they are now considered as “spare parts”.
Regarding taking decisions at home before retirement, majority (78%) of the total
respondents i.e. WDLMC (31%), CLA (24% males), CLWC (19% males) and WDLA
(17%), said that they “themselves took decisions”, whereas 25% of them i.e. Couples (CLA;
29% males and 13% females and CLWC; 22% males and 22% females each respectively),
and WDLMC (10%), said that they “themselves along with spouses” took decisions at home
before retirement ; 58 percent of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (36%), WDLA (18%),
CLWC (16% males) and CLA (15% males) “feel no change” in their authority to take
decisions whereas 42% of them, CLA (31%), WDLMC (17%), CLWC (13% males and 10%
females) and WLMC (10%) “feel change” regarding decisions taken at home after
retirement. 21 percent of the total respondents i.e. CLA (35% males), WDLMC (19%),
WDLA (15%) and WDLMD (11%), reported the changes which they feel regarding taking

1
decisions are that children “don’t accept their suggestions” whereas equal percent of the
sample i.e. 21%, CLA (27% males), CLWC (19% males and 15% females), WDLMC (15%)
and WLMC (11%), reported that their children believe that they “don’t know anything”.

2
 TABLE 4.1.1 (e1): Showing attitude of the elderly towards life
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Females Males (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)
(n=30) ( n=30) Females
(n=30) (
n=30)
which period is the best period in one’s life?
(i) Childhood 25(10) 21(8.13) 23(9) 26(10.07) 19(7.36) 23(9) 28(11) 5(2) 38(15) 17(6.58) 6(2.32) 27(10.46) 258(86)
(ii) Young Age 5(17) ----- 5(17) 1(3.33) 1(3.33) 12(40) ----- 3(10) 2(7) ----- 1(3.33) ----- 30(10)
(iii) Grahastashram ----- 9(56.25) 2(12.5) 3(19) 2(12.5) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 16(5.33)
(householder)

(iv) Old age ----- 3(33.33) ----- ----- 6(67) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 9(3)
Reasons for preferring Childhood:
(i) No tension 25(11.16) 14(6.25) 21(9.37) 19(8.48) 17(7.58) 19(8.48) 25(11.16) 3(1.33) 34(15.17) 17(7.58) 5(2.23) 25(11.16) 224(75)
(ii) No responsibilities 13(6.53) 21(10.55) 23(11.55) 25(12.56) 19(9.54) 16(8.04) 3(1.50) 5(2.51) 39(19.59) 15(7.53) 6(3.01) 14(7.03) 199(66.33)

(iii) Take everybody’s 2(4.08) 1(2.04) 12(24.48) 5(10.20) 3(6.12) ----- ----- 5(10.20) 12(24.48) 4(8.16) 2(4.08) 3(6.12) 49(16.33)
attention and care

Satisfied with your life?

(i) Happy ----- ----- 19(49) 10(26) 3(8) 2(5.12) 1(2.56) ----- ----- 2(5.12) ----- 2(5.12) 39(13)
(ii) Partially satisfied 30(13) 22(9.32) 9(4) 20(8.47) 18(8) 32(13.55) 22(9.32) 4(2) 37(16) 12(5.08) 6(2.54) 24(10.16) 236(79)

(iii) Not satisfied ----- 8(32) 2(8) ----- 1(4) 1(4) 5(20) 1(4) 3(12) 3(12) ----- 1(4) 25(8.33)
God gave one more life to you, would you like to live again?
Yes 19(15.70) 5(4.13) 23(19) 21(17.35) 7(6) 7(6) 2(2) 2(2) 8(7) 10(8.26) 1(1) 16(13.22) 121(40.33)
No 11(6.14) 25(14) 7(4) 9(5.02) 15(8.37) 28(16) 26(14.52) 3(2) 32(18) 7(4) 5(3) 11(6.14) 179(60)
If no, why?
(i) Don’t want to face 5(4.31) 17(15) 7(6.03) 3(2.58) 12(10.34) 26(22.41) 10(9) 3(2.58) 24(21) 4(3.44) 3(2.58) 2(2) 116(39)
problems once more

(ii) Have no patience 6(9) 8(12) 3(4.47) 6(9) 3(4.47) 2(3) 16(24) ----- 8(12) 3(4.47) 3(4.47) 9(13.43) 67(22.33)

* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females
CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends

1
 ATTITUDE OF ELDERLY TOWARDS LIFE

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

Childhood Young Age Grahastashram (householder) Old age

Figure 4.1.5: Views of elderly regarding best period of life

It is clear from the Table 4.1.1 (e1) that majority (86%) of the total respondents i.e.
WLA (15%), WLMD (11%), AMLA (10%), CLA (10% males), CLWC (10% females and
9% males), and WDLMC (9%), feel that “Childhood” is the golden period in one’s life. 75
percent of the total respondents i.e. WLA (15%), CLA (11% males), WLMD (11%) and
AMLA (11% each) and CLWC (9% males), stated the reasons for preferring childhood is that
during this period, a person is “free from tension” whereas 66% of them i.e. WLA (19%),
CLWC (12% females and 11% males), CLA (10% females), and WLMC (9%), believe that
during childhood period, a person is “free from responsibilities”.
Figure 4.1.6: Reasons for preferring childhood

30

25

20

15

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

No tension No responsibilities Take everybody's attention and care

1
 Regarding satisfaction of aged with life, 79% of the total respondents i.e. WLA
(16%), CLA (13% males), and WDLMC (13% each), AMLA (10%), WLMD (9%) and CLA
each (9% females), said that they are “partially satisfied” with their lives. Nearly 13% of
them i.e. CLWC (49% males and 26% females), said that they are “happy” with their lives.
60 percent of the total respondents i.e. WLA (18%), WDLMC (16%), WLMD (14%) and
CLA each (14% females), believe that if god given another chance, they “don’t want to live
again”. 40 percent of the total respondents i.e. CLWC (19% males and 17% females), CLA
(15% males), and AMLA (13%) want to “live again”, if God gives one more life to them.
Stating the reasons for not wanting to live their life once again, 39% of the total
respondents i.e. WDLMC (22%), WLA (21%), CLA (15% females), WLMC (10%) and
WLMD (9%), said that they “don’t want to face the problems once again” whereas 22% of
them i.e. WLMD (24%), AMLA (13%), WLA (12%) and CLA each (12% females), said that
they have “lost their patience now”.

2
 TABLE 4.1.1 (e2): Showing perception regarding measures for ‘good quality of life’ of elderly

Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Females Males (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)
( n = 30) (n = 30) Females
( n = 30) (n = 30)
What should be done for care of aged by –
Family :
(i) Give respect 30(10.52) 30(10.52) 30(10.52) 19(7) 22(8) 35(12.28) 28(10) 5(2) 40(14.03) 13(4.56) 6(2.10) 27(9.47) 285(95)
(ii) Provide care and 16(9) 9(5.02) 16(9) 28(16) 4(2.23) 28(16) 19(10.61) 5(3) 27(15.08) 9(5.02) 2(1.11) 16(9) 179(60)
attention
(iii) Treat ourselves as 28(18.18) 4(2.59) 22(14.28) 4(2.59) 3(2) 32(21) 5(3.24) 4(2.59) 12(8) 16(10.38) 3(2) 21(14) 154(51.33)
‘experienced persons’
Society :
(i) Give respect 30(10.41) 30(10.41) 29(10.06) 25(9) 22(8) 35(12.15) 25(9) 5(2) 40(14) 14(5) 6(2.08) 27(9.37) 288(96)
(ii) Feel ‘we people 27(17) 11(7) 27(17) 12(7.5) 6(4) 30(19) 13(8.12) 2(1.25) 4(2.5) 5(3.12) 5(3.12) 18(11.25) 160(53.33)
make society’
Government :
(i) Provide timely 30(11) 25(9.09) 19(7) 24(9) 22(8) 32(12) 28(10.18) 5(2) 40(14.54) 17(6.18) 6(2.18) 27(10) 275(92)
Pension
(ii) Make welfare 21(16.15) 14(11) 14(11) 9(7) 9(7) 18(14) 2(1.53) 3(2.30) 11(8.46) 4(3.07) 2(1.53) 23(18) 130(43.33)
schemes
for senior citizens
Government provide all modern facilities in a separate house , would you like to go there?
Yes 14(11) 2(1.52) 19(14.50) 10(8) 5(4) 26(20) 4(3.05) 4(3.05) 9(7) 12(9.16) 6(4.58) 20(15.26) 131(44)
No 16(9.46) 28(16.56) 11(6.50) 20(12) 17(10.05) 9(5.32) 24(14.20) 1(0.59) 31(18.34) 5(3) ----- 7(4.14) 169(56.33)

If yes, why?
(i) Lead a respectful 16(12.04) ----- 12(14.45) 3(4) 5(6.02) 10(12.04) 3(4) 4(5) 2(2.40) 9(11) 5(6.02) 20(24.09) 83(28)
life
(ii) Free from worries 4(5.40) 2(3) 16(22) 9(12.16) 5(7) 16(22) 1(1.35) 2(3) 7(9.45) 5(7) 3(4.05) 4(5.40) 74(25)

Feel that family members agree with your decision?

Yes 14(13) ----- 14(13) 6(5.55) 3(3) 22(20.37) 4(4) 3(3) 9(8.33) 7(6.48) 6(5.55) 20(18.51) 108(36)
No ----- 2(9) 5(22) 4(17.39) 2(9) 4(17.39) ----- 1(4.34) ----- 5(22) ----- ----- 23(8)

* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females
CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 PERCEPTION REGARDING MEASURES FOR ‘GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE’ OF
ELDERLY
Table 4.1.1 (e2) reveals the ‘Care’ that the family, society and Government provide to
the elderly to improve their ‘quality of life’, 95% of the total respondents i.e. WLA (14%),
WDLMC (12%), WLMD (10%) and Couples (CLA; 10% males and 10% females and
CLWC; 10% males), and AMLA (9%), believe that family should “give respect” to them. 60
percent of the total respondents i.e. CLWC (16% females), and WDLMC (16% each), WLA
(15%), WLMD (10%) and Couples (CLA and CLWC, 9% males each ), and AMLA (9%
each respectively), said that family should provide “care and attention” to them whereas 51%
of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (21%), CLA (18%), CLWC (14% males), and AMLA
(14% each) and WDLA (10%), said that family should treat them as “experienced persons”.
96 percent of the total respondents i.e. WLA (14%), WDLMC (12%), Couples (CLA; 10%
males and 10% females each and CLWC; 10% males and 9% females), and WLMD and
AMLA (9% each respectively), believe that society should also “give respect” to them
whereas 53% of them i.e. WDLMC(19%), Couples (CLA and CLWC, 17% males each), and
AMLA (11%), said that society should feel “aged persons make the society”. 92 percent of
the total respondents i.e. WLA (14%), WDLMC (12%), CLA (11% males and 9% females),
WLMD and AMLA (10% each) and CLWC (9% females), said that Government should
provide “timely pension” to them whereas 43% of the total respondents i.e. AMLA (18%),
Couples (CLA; 16% males and 11% females and CLWC; 11% males), and WDLMC (14%),
said that Government should initiate “welfare schemes” for senior citizens.
When asked about the measures from family, society and Government for
improvement in the ‘quality of life of elderly’, mostly (56%) of the total respondents i.e.
WLA (18%), CLA (16% females and 9% males), WLMD (14%) and WLMC (10%), observe
that they “would not like to avail” the modern facilities provided by the Government in a
separate house whereas 44% of them i.e. WDLMC (20%), AMLA (15%), CLWC (14%
males), and CLA (11% males), observe that they “would like to go” there.

1
 30

25

20

15

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

Lead a respectful life Free from w orries

Figure 4.1.7: Reasons for availing government facilities

Stating the reasons for availing the facilities provided by the Government in a
separate house, 28% of the total respondents i.e. AMLA (24%), CLWC (14% males), CLA
(12% males), and WDLMC (12% each) and WDLA (11%), observe that they would “lead a
respectful life” whereas 25% of the total respondents i.e. CLWC (22% males and 12%
females), and WDLMC (22%), observe that they would be “free from their worries”.
Regarding their family’s reaction, 36% of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (20%), AMLA
(18%) and Couples (CLA 13% males and CLWC 13% males each respectively), said that
their family members would “agree with their decision” whereas 8% of them i.e. WDLA
(22%), CLWC (22% males and 17% females), and WDLMC (17%), said that they “would
not agree” if they would stay in a separate house provided by the Government.

2
 TABLE 4.1.1 (f) : Showing Adjustment Level of Elderly
Adjustment Level of Shamshad- CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA Total
Jasbir Old Age Adjustment Males Females Males Females
Inventory (SJOAI) (n=30) (n = 30) (n=30) (n = 30) (n=22) (n=35) (n = 28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17 (n = 6) (n = 27) ( n = 300)

H.A. 12 (11.11) 16(15) 17(16) 14(13) 5( 5) 17 (16) 8 (7.40) 1 (1) 5 (5) 5 (5) 1 (1) 7 (6.48) 108 (36)

M.A. 10 (9.43) 10 (9.43) 5 (5) 10 (9.43) 7 (7) 9 (8.49) 8 (7.54) 2 (2) 22 (21) 9 (8.49) 2 (2) 12 (11.32) 106 (35.33)
L.A. 8 (9.30) 4 (5) 8 (9.30) 6 (7) 10 (12) 9 (10.46) 12 (14) 2 (2.32) 13 (15.11) 3(3.48) 3(3.48) 8(9.30) 86 (29)

%ages in parentheses H.A. :- High Level of Adjustment Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females
M.A. :- Moderate Level of Adjustment
L.A. :- Low Level of Adjustment
CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

TABLE 4.1.1 (g) : Showing Level of Life Satisfaction of Elderly

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA Total
Levels of Life Satisfaction
Males Females Males Females
Scale (n=30) (n = 30) (n=30) (n = 30) (n=22) (n=35) (n = 28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n = 6) (n = 27) ( n = 300)

High 8 (15.09) ---- 8 (15.09) 1 (2) 4 (7.54) 7 (13.20) 4 (7.54) ---- 9 (17) 5 (9.43) 1 (2) 9 (11.32) 53 (18)

Average 19 (8.22) 29 (12.55) 21 (9.09) 28 (12.12) 16 (7) 26 (11.25) 20 (9) 5 (2.16) 30 (13) 12 (5.19) 5 (2.16) 20 (9) 231 (77)

Low 3 (19) 1 (6.25) 1 (6.25) 1 (6.25) 2 (12.5) 2 (12.5) 4 (25) ---- 1 (6.25) ---- ---- 1 (6.25) 16 (5.33)

%ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females

CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 LEVEL OF ADJUSTMENT OF ELDERLY
It is evident from the Table 4.1.1 (f) that 36% of the total sample i.e WDLMC(16%),
CLWC (16% males and 13% females) and CLA (15% females and 11% males) show “high
level” ; 35 percent of the total sample i.e. WLA (21%), AMLA (11%) and Couples (CLA;
9% males and 9% females and CLWC; 9% females each respectively), show “moderate
level” of adjustment; followed by 29% of them, Widows and Widowers (WLA 15% ;
WLMD 14% ; WLMC 12%, and WDLMC 10%), and Couples (CLA and CLWC, 9% males
each respectively), show “low level” of adjustment.
It is concluded that most of the aged show both high as well as moderate level of
adjustment on “Shamshad – Jasbir Old Age Adjustment Inventory”.

25

20

15

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

High level of adjustment Moderate level of adjustment Low level of adjustment

Figure 4.1.8: Adjustment Level of Elderly

LEVEL OF LIFE SATISFACTION OF ELDERLY

Table 4.1.1 (g) reveals that 77% of the total respondents i.e. WLA (13%), Couples
(CLWC; 12% females and 9% males and CLA; 12% females and 8% males), Widows and
Widowers (WDLMC; 11% and WLMD; 9%) and (AMLA; 9% each respectively), show
“average” level of satisfaction with life whereas 18% of them i.e. WLA (17%), Couples
(CLA and CLWC, 15% males each respectively), WDLMC (13%) and AMLA (11%), show
“high” level of satisfaction with their life.
Hence most of the sample show “average” level of life satisfaction on “life
satisfaction scale”.
1
 Figure 4.1.9: Satisfaction Level of Elderly
TABLE 4.1.1 (h) : Showing difference between socio-demographic variables, areas of
adjustment and life satisfaction level of elderly living with support system and elderly
living without support

DIMENSIONS ELWS ELA t - Value

Mean S.D. Mean S.D.
(A) Age 1. 16 0.57 1.71 0.76 0.854
Education 2.54 1.11 2.00 0.93 3.397**
SES 3.15 0.98 3.30 1.01 1.043
(B) SJOAI:
Health 17.56 4.81 18.69 4.19 2.198*
Home 16.10 6.31 14.98 6.58 1.591
Social 14.76 3.50 14.55 3.20 0.698
Marital 6.50 6.22 8.84 6.31 2.095*
Emotional 12.91 5.17 12.76 4.96 0.206
Financial 8.32 3.08 8.23 2.93 0.077
Overall adjustment 76.30 21.10 78.09 18.69 0.656
(B) LIFE SATISFACTION 117.45 19.64 118.08 18.56 0.349
* *Significant at 0.01 level ELWS: Elderly living with support
* Significant at 0.05 level ELA: Elderly living alone

2
 −− −−
Results reveal that the mean age of ELA score higher ( X = 1.71) than ELWS ( X = 1.61) but
the difference is not significant. Significant difference is observed in the mean scores related
−− −−
to the educational status of ELWS ( X = 2.54, t = 3.397, p< 0.01) than ELA ( X = 2.00). No
significant difference is observed in the mean scores related to socio-economic status of both
these groups.
The areas of adjustment and life satisfaction of elderly living with support system and
who are living without support reveal that the mean scores of ELA (M = 18.69) were
significantly higher (t=2.198, p <0.05) scores than ELWS (M = 17.56) in the areas of health
adjustment. In the areas of home adjustment ELA (M=14.98) score lower than ELWS
(M=16.10) though the differences are not significant. In social adjustment, no significant
difference between ELWS (M = 14.76) and ELA (14.55) has been obtained whereas in the
areas of marital adjustment, ELA (M = 8.84) were found to be scoring significantly higher (t
= 2.095, P<0.05) than ELWS (M = 6.50). No significant difference is observed in the mean
scores related to emotional, financial, overall adjustment, and life satisfaction of these
groups.

3
TABLE 4.1.1 (i1): Relationship between socio–demographic, areas of adjustment and life satisfaction level
of elderly living with support system
Age Education SES Health Home Social Marital Emotional Financial Overall
DIMENSIONS adjustment
Age 1.000
Education 0.002 1.000
SES -0.087 -0.347** 1.000
SJOAI :-
Health -0.041 0.246** -0.249** 1.000
Home -0.146 0.113 -0.129 0.626** 1.000
Social -0.119 0.236** -0.171* 0.818** 0.668** 1.000
Marital -0.111 0.217** 0.155 -0.048 0.030 0.174* 1.000
Emotional -0.083 0.213** -0.239** 0.750** 0.724** 0.789** 0.041 1.000
Financial -0.061 0.163* -0.196* 0.658** 0.703** 0.638** -0.209* 0.603** 1.000
Overall Adjustment -0.142 0.264** -0.160 0.819** 0.850** 0.896** 0.301** 0.867** 0.700** 1.000
Life Satisfaction 0.041 0.070 -0.185* 0.382** 0.306** 0.344** -0.079 0.347** 0.410** 0.348**

** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level

* Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level

Table 4.1.1 (i1) Correlation Matrix showing relationship between socio-demographic, areas of adjustment and life satisfaction level of elderly
who are living with support system

1
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIO – DEMOGRAPHIC, AREAS
OF ADJUSTMENT AND LIFE SATISFACTION LEVEL OF
ELDERLY LIVING WITH SUPPORT SYSTEM
Interrelationship among Age / SES / Education:-
Education has a positive correlation with age (r=0.002) but negative significant
correlation was found between Education and SES (r= -0.347) whereas negative correlation
was found between age and SES (r = -0.087).
Age /SES/Education with areas of adjustment (SJOAI):-
Education show positive significant correlation with areas of adjustment of SJOAI
such as health (r = 0.246), social adjustment (r = 0.236), marital adjustment (r = 0.217),
emotional adjustment (r = 0.213), financial adjustment (r = 0.163), and overall adjustment in
all these areas ( r = 0.264).
Education and home adjustment (r = 0.113), and SES and marital adjustment (r =
0.155) show a positive insignificant correlation..
SES shows negative significant correlation with health (r = -0.249), SES and Social
adjustment (r = -0.171), emotional adjustment (r = -0.239), SES and financial adjustment (r =
-0.196).
Age show negative correlation with health ( r = -0.041), home ( r= -0.146), social
adjustment (r = -0.111), emotional adjustment ( r = -0.083), financial adjustment ( r = -0.061),
and overall adjustment (r = -0.142). Negative correlation is also observed among home
adjustment and SES (r = -0.129), and over all adjustment and SES (r = -0.160).
Interrelationship among areas of adjustment (SJOAI):-
Scores obtained show positive significant correlation among all the six areas of
adjustment of SJOAI i.e. Health, Home, Social, Marital, Emotional, Financial and the total
score of the areas of adjustment. They are health and home (r= 0.626), social and health (r =
0.818), marital and social (r = 0.174), emotional and health (r = 0.750), financial and health (r
= 0.658), health and overall adjustment (r = 0.819), home and social (r = 0.668), home and
emotional (r = 0.724), financial and home (r = 0.703) home and overall adjustment (r =
0.850), social and emotional (r = 0.789), social and financial (r= 0.638), social and over all
adjustment (r = 0.896), marital and overall adjustment (r = 0.301), emotional and financial (r
= 0.603), emotional and overall adjustment (r = 0.867), and financial and overall adjustment (
r = 0.700).

1
 Positive correlation was found among marital adjustment and home (r = 0.030), and
marital adjustment and emotional adjustment (r = 0.041).
Marital and financial adjustment show negative significant correlation (r = -0.209)
Whereas negative correlation was found among health and marital adjustment (r = -0.048).
Age / SES / Education and Life Satisfaction:-
Life satisfaction shows a positive correlation with education (r = 0.070), and age (r= 0.041),
whereas SES and life satisfaction (r = - 0.185) are negatively significantly correlated.
Life Satisfaction with areas of adjustment (SJOAI):-
Life satisfaction scores show positive significant correlation with five areas of
adjustment i.e. health (r = 0.382), home (r = 0.306), social (r = 0.344), emotional (r = 0.347),
financial (r = 0.410), and overall adjustment (r =0.348).
Negative correlation was found between marital adjustment and life satisfaction (r = -
0.079).

2
 TABLE 4.1.1 (i2): Relationship between socio-demographic variables, areas of adjustment and life
satisfaction level of elderly living without support
Age Education SES Health Home Social Marital Emotional Financial Overall
DIMENSIONS adjustment
Age 1.000
Education -0.156 1.000
SES -0.003 -0.576** 1.000
SJOAI:-
Health -0.075 0.177* -0.114 1.000
Home -0.048 0.013 -0.094 0.517** 1.000
Social -0.132 0.268** -0.162 0.563** 0.434** 1.000
Marital -0.166* 0.463** -0.071 0.045 -0.088 0.075 1.000
Emotional -0.164* .244** -0.180* 0.566** 0.639** 0.760** 0.031 1.000
Financial 0.118 .001 -0.133 0.504** 0.619** 0.362** -0.102 0.461** 1.000
Overall -0.138 0.309** -0.184* 0.753** 0.779** 0.739** 0.318** 0.830** 0.636** 1.000
Adjustment
Life -0.042 0.118 -0.200* 0.333** 0.289** 0.222** -0.091 0.272** 0.362** 0.310**
Satisfaction

** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level

* Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level

Table 4.1.1 (i2) Correlation Matrix showing relationship between socio-demographic, areas of adjustment and life satisfaction level of
elderly who are living without support

1
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIO – DEMOGRAPHIC, AREAS OF ADJUSTMENT
AND LIFE SATISFACTION LEVEL OF ELDERLY LIVING WITHOUT SUPPORT
Interrelationship among Age / SES / Education:-
SES and Education show negative significant correlation (r = -0.576) whereas
negative correlation was found between education and age (r = - 0.156), and age and SES (r =
- 0.003).
Age / SES / Education with areas of adjustment (SJOAI):-
Education show positive significant correlation with areas of adjustment of SJOAI
such as health adjustment (r = 0.177), social (r = 0.268), marital (r = 0.463), emotional (r =
0.244), and over all adjustment (r = 0.309).
Positive correlation was found with respect to education and home (r = 0.013),
education and financial (r = 0.001), and age and financial (r = 0.118).
SES show negative significant correlation with emotional adjustment (r = -0.180), and
overall adjustment (r = -0.184). Age show negative significant correlation with marital
adjustment (r = -0.166), and emotional adjustment (r = -0.164).
Age show negative correlation with health adjustment (r = -0.075), home (r = -0.048),
social adjustment (r = -0.132), and overall adjustment (r = -0.138). Negative correlation is
also observed among SES and health adjustment (r = -0.114), home (r = -0.094), social (r = -
0.162), marital (r = -0.071), and financial adjustment (r = -0.133).
Interrelationship among areas of adjustment SJOAI:-
Health show positive significant correlation with home adjustment (r = 0.517), social (
r = 0.563), emotional (r = 0.566), financial (r = 0.504), and overall adjustment (r = 0.753).
Home adjustment show the significant correlation with social adjustment (r = 0.434),
emotional (r = 0.639), financial (r = 0.619), and overall adjustment (r = 0.779). Positive
significant correlation is also observed among social and emotional adjustment (r= 0.760),
financial (r = 0.362), and overall adjustment (r = 0.739), marital and overall adjustment (r =
0.318), emotional and financial adjustment (r = 0.461), emotional and overall adjustment (r =
0.830), and financial and over all adjustment (r = 0.636).
Health and marital adjustment (r = 0.045), social and marital adjustment (r = 0.075),
and marital and emotional adjustment (r = 0.031) show a positive insignificant correlation.
Negative correlation is observed among home and marital adjustment (r = -0.088),
and marital and financial adjustment (r = -0.102).

1
Age /SES / Education and Life Satisfaction:-
Life satisfaction shows a positive correlation with education (r = 0.118).
Negative significant correlation was found between SES and life satisfaction (r = -
0.200), and negative correlation is observed among age and life satisfaction (r = -0.042).
Life Satisfaction and areas of adjustment (SJOAI) :-
Life satisfaction scores show a positive significant correlation with five areas of
adjustment i.e. health (r = 0.333), home (r = 0.289), social (r = 0.222), emotional (r = 0.272),
financial (r = 0.362), and overall adjustment (r = 0.310).
Life satisfaction scores show a negative correlation with marital adjustment (r = -
0.091).
To sum up, it can be concluded that education has a significant positive correlation
with areas of adjustment and positive correlation with life satisfaction scores.
SES show a negative significant correlation with education, areas of adjustment of
SJOAI, and life satisfaction among elderly living with support.
Age and SES show a negative significant correlation with areas of adjustment and life
satisfaction among elderly living without support.

2
 TABLE 4.1.1 (j1): Showing gender differences in areas of adjustment and life satisfaction level of
elderly living with support system and living without support
DIMENSIONS ELWS (Males) ELWS (Females) t - Value ELA (Males) ELA (Females) t - Value

Mean S.D. Mean S.D. Mean S.D. Mean S.D.

(A) SJOAI:

Health 19.30 4.509 16.04 4.585 4.134** 19.95 3.948 17.37 4.065 3.459**

Home 17.21 6.694 15.13 5.834 2.041* 15.43 7.129 14.51 5.980 0.877

Social 15.69 3.286 13.95 3.500 2.785** 14.82 3.402 14.27 2.988 1.255

Marital 6.64 6.290 6.37 6.210 1.478 10.73 5.159 6.86 6.832 4.945**

Emotional 14.04 4.971 11.93 5.187 2.108* 13.61 4.982 11.87 4.827 2.238*

Financial 9.46 2.733 7.32 3.055 5.315** 9.31 2.287 7.10 3.126 4.574**

Overall adjustment 82.40 20.779 70.98 20.040 3.250** 83.76 18.389 72.10 17.195 3.929**

(B) LIFE 123.21 17.645 112.41 20.021 3.520** 120.50 20.128 115.53 16.520 1.563
SATISFACTION

** Significant at 0.01 level ELWS : Elderly living with support

* Significant at 0.05 level ELA : Elderly living alone

1
 GENDER DIFFERENCES IN AREAS OF ADJUSTMENT AND LIFE
SATISFACTION LEVEL OF ELDERLY LIVING WITH SUPPORT SYSTEM AND
LIVING WITHOUT SUPPORT
Significant gender differences are observed in all dimensions of adjustment, except
−− −−
marital adjustment (Males: X = 6.64 and Females: X = 6.37), and life satisfaction with
−− −−
males showing higher scores ( X = 123.21, t = 3.520, p< 0.01) than females ( X = 112.41)
among elderly living with support. Among elderly living alone, significant differences are
observed among males and females in most of the dimensions of SJOAI, except home
−− −− −−
(Males: X = 15.43 and Females: X = 14.51), and social adjustment (Males: X =14.82 and
−− −− −−
Females: X = 14.27), and life satisfaction (Males: X = 120.50 and Females: X =115.53).
The results reveal that males score higher than females in all the dimensions of
adjustment and life satisfaction.

1
 TABLE 4.1.1 (j2): Showing gender differences in areas of adjustment and life satisfaction level of
elderly in context of available support system
VARIABLES SJOAI:- Health Home Social Marital Emotional Financial Overall Life Satisfaction
Adjustment
I
(a) Males living with −− 19.30 17.21 15.69 6.64 14.04 9.46 82.40 123.21
Support (MLWS) X 4.509 6.694 3.286 6.290 4.971 2.733 20.779 17.645

(b) Males living without σ 19.95 15.43 14.82 10.73 13.61 9.31 83.76 120.50
support (MWS) −−
3.948 7.129 3.402 5.159 4.982 2.287 18.389 20.128
X

σ
t 0.846 1.575 1.219 5.456** 0.259 0.298 0.450 0.912
II
(a) Females living −− 16.04 15.13 13.95 6.37 11.93 7.32 70.98 112.41
with support X 4.585 5.834 3.500 6.210 5.187 3.055 20.040 20.021
(FLWS)
σ 17.37 14.51 14.27 6.86 11.87 7.10 72.10 115.53
(b) Females living −−
4.065 5.980 2.988 6.832 4.827 3.126 17.195 16.520
without X
support (FWS)
σ
t 1.446 0.715 0.161 1.093 0.449 0.088 0.044 1.005
** Significant at 0.01 level
* Significant at 0.05 level

1
 GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CONTEXT OF AVAILABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM

−−
Results reveal that the mean scores of MWS ( X = 10.73) were significantly higher (t
−−
= 5.456, p< 0.01) than MLWS ( X = 6.64) in the areas of marital adjustment. Significant
differences are not observed in the mean scores related to health, home, social, emotional,
financial, overall adjustment, and life satisfaction of these groups.
Females who are living without support score higher in most of the dimensions of
−− −−
adjustment, except home (FWS: X = 14.51 and FLWS: X = 15.13) ; emotional (FWS:
−− −− −− −−
X = 11.87 and FLWS : X = 11.93); financial adjustment (FWS : X = 7.10 and FLWS: X =
−−
7.32), and life satisfaction with females living without support showing higher scores ( X =
−−
115.53) than females living with support system ( X = 112.41) though the differences are not
significant. There is a significant difference in all dimensions of adjustment except marital
−− −−
adjustment (FWS: X = 6.86 and MLWS: X = 6.64). In the scores on life satisfaction, males
−−
living with support system ( X = 123.21) were found to be scoring significantly higher (t =
−−
2.788, P< 0.01) than females living without support ( X = 115.53).

1
 TABLE 4.1.1 (j3): Showing across gender differences in areas of adjustment and life satisfaction level
of elderly living with support system and living without support
VARIABLES SJOAI:- Health Home Social Marital Emotional Financial Overall Life Satisfaction
Adjustment
III
a) Males living with −− 19.30 17.21 15.69 6.64 14.04 9.46 82.40 123.21
X
Support (MLWS) σ 4.509 6.694 3.286 6.290 4.971 2.733 20.779 17.645

−−
(b) Females living without X 17.37 14.51 14.27 6.86 11.87 7.10 72.10 115.53
support (FWS) σ 4.065 5.980 2.988 6.832 4.827 3.126 17.195 16.520

t 2.629* 2.571* 2.651* 0.928 2.464* 5.287** 3.290** 2.768**

IV
−−
(a) Females living with X 16.04 15.13 13.95 6.37 11.93 7.32 70.98 112.41
support (FLWS σ 4.585 5.834 3.500 6.210 5.187 3.055 20.040 20.021

−−
(b) Males living without 19.95 15.43 14.82 10.73 11.61 9.31 83.76 120.50
X
support (MWS) σ 3.948 7.129 3.402 5.159 4.982 2.287 18.389 20.128

t 5.572** 0.339 1.413 5.786** 2.036* 5.020** 4.300** 2.537*

** Significant at 0.01 level
* Significant at 0.05 level

1
 ACROSS GENDER DIFFERENCES OF ELDERLY LIVING
WITH SUPPORT SYSTEM AND LIVING WITHOUT
SUPPORT

Significant across gender differences are observed among those living without support, in all
−− −−
the dimensions of adjustment, except home (MWS: X = 15.43 and FLWS: X = 15.13), and
−− −−
social adjustment (MWS: X =14.82 and FLWS: X = 13.95). Life satisfaction scores of
−−
males living without support ( X = 120.50) were significantly higher (t = 2.537, p< 0.05)
−−
than females living with support system ( X = 112.41).

1
 TABLE 4.1.2 (a) : Showing perception of elderly regarding interaction with children
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Females Males Females
(n=30) (n=30) (n=30) (n=30) (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)

Feel that the views of aged and family members don’t match?
Yes 23(10) 17(7.11) 19(8) 15(6.27) 21(9) 30(12.55) 23(10) 5(2.09) 40(17) 14(6) 6(2.51) 26(11) 239(80)
No 7(11.47) 13(21.31) 11(18.03) 15(24.59) 1(2) 5(8.19) 5(8.19) ----- ----- 3(5) ----- 1(2) 61(20.33)
If yes, in what issues?
(i) Eating pattern ----- 9(10.34) 14(16.09) 5(6) 12(14) 4(4.59) 4(4.59) ----- 22(25.28) 3(3.44) ----- 14(16.09) 87(29)
(ii) Watching T.V. 5(8.33) 2(3.33) 10(17) 4(7) 1(2) 10(17) 2(3.33) 2(3.33) 12(20) 9(15) 2(3.33) 1(2) 60(20)
(iii) Attend social 9(10) 9(10) 2(2.17) 13(14.13) 6(6.52) 12(13.04) 9(10) 3(3.26) 19(21) ----- ----- 10(11) 92(31)
gatherings
(iv) Performing of 9(5.17) 16(9.19) 14(8.04) 15(9) 19(11) 28(16.09) 17(10) 3(2) 35(20.11) 5(3) 4(2.29) 9(5.17) 174(58)
customs and traditions
How do you react then?
(i) Listen to them 6(6.59) 12(13.18) 16(17.58) 9(10) 15(16.48) 4(4.39) 12(13.18) 1(1.09) 8(9) 4(4.39) 1(1.09) 3(3.29) 91(30.33)
(ii) Scold them 2(3) 4(5.33) 6(8) 2(3) 4(5.33) 16(21.33) 4(5.33) 2(3) 22(29.33) 7(9.33) 1(1.33) 5(7) 75(25)
(iii) Give weight age to 21(16.27) 1(1) 8(6.20) 4(3.10) 3(2.32) 10(8) 12(9.30) 3(2.32) 39(30.23) 6(5) 4(3.10) 18(14) 129(43)
our own views
Children try to modify their own attitude?
Sometimes 3(3) 11(11) 18(18) 10(10) 15(15) 5(5) 1(1) 1(1) 18(18) 2(2) ----- 18(18) 102(34)
Never 20(14.59) 6(4.37) 1(1) 5(4) 6(4.37) 25(18.24) 22(16.05) 4(3) 22(16.05) 12(9) 6(4.37) 8(6) 137(46)

* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females

CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 FAMILIAL INTERACTIONS OF THE ELDERLY

(a) With children:-

Figure 4.1.10: Showing aged and family’s agreement regarding issues

It is evident from the Table 4.1.2 (a) that majority (80%) of the total respondents i.e.
WLA (17%), WDLMC (12%), AMLA (11%), WLMD (10%) and CLA each (10% males)
and WLMC (9%), feel that their views “don’t match” with family members ; 58 percent of
the total respondents i.e. WLA (20%), WDLMC (16%), WLMC (11%), WLMD (10%) and
CLA and CLWC each (9% females), stated that the areas of disagreement is “avoidance of
observance of customs and traditions” of the family due to shortage of time ; 31 percent of
the total respondents i.e. WLA (21%), CLWC (14% females), WDLMC (13%), AMLA
(11%), WLMD (10%) and CLA each (10% males and females), stated that children
“refused to attend social gatherings of the family”, whereas 29% of the total respondents i.e.
WLA (25%), AMLA (16%) and CLWC each (16% males), WLMC (14%) and CLA (10%
females), stated the disagreement regarding views with family members exists on their
“eating pattern”. (like Junk food, irregular eating pattern).
Reaction regarding disagreement of views with family members, 43% of the total
respondents i.e. WLA (30%), CLA (16% males) and AMLA (14%), prefer to give
“weightage to their own views” , whereas 30% of the total respondents i.e. CLWC (17%
males and 10% females), WLMC (16%), WLMD and CLA each (13 females), give “patient
hearing” to children’s views whereas 25% of them i.e. WLA (29%) and WDLMC (21%)
“scold” them whenever children refused to obey their orders.

1
 Regarding disagreement of views with family members, 46% of the total respondents
i.e. WDLMC (18%), WLMD and WLA each (16%) and CLA (14% males), feel that children
“never” try to modify their own attitude whereas 34% of them, WLA (18%), AMLA and
CLWC each (18% males), WLMC (15%) and CLWC (10% females), say that children
“sometimes” try to change their attitude but most of the time they stick to their own views.

2
 TABLE 4.1.2 (b) : Showing perception of elderly regarding interaction with grandchildren
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Males Females
Females (n=30) (n=30) (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)
(n=30)
(n=30)
Grandchildren spend time with you?
Yes ----- ----- 28(27) 19(18.09) 15(14.28) 15(14.28) 9(8.57) 2(2) 9(8.57) 2(2) 2(2) 4(4) 105(35)
No ----- ----- 2(1.48) 11(8.14) 7(5.18) 20(15) 19(14.07) 3(2.22) 31(23) 15(11.11) 4(3) 23(17.03) 135(45)
If yes, what type of activities you performed with them?
(i) Listen their school ----- ----- 16(35.55) 10(22.22) 7(15.55) 2(4.44) 5(11.11) 1(2.22) 2(4.44) ----- 1(2.22) 1(2.22) 45(15)
activities
(ii) Help in their ----- ----- 8(28.57) 3(11) 4(14.28) 9(32.14) 1(3.57) 1(3.57) ----- ----- 2(7.14) ----- 28(9.33)
school homework
(iii) Discuss own ----- ----- 7(16) 14(32) 4(9.09) 4(9.09) 3(7) ----- 7(6) 2(4.54) ----- 3(7) 44(15)
personal experiences
If no, why?
(i) Busy in studies ----- ----- 2(2) 5(4.27) 7(6) 17(14.52) 17(14.52) 3(2.56) 27(23.07) 12(10.25) 4(3.41) 23(20) 117(39)
(ii) Don’t want to sit ----- ----- ----- 6(31.57) ----- 3(16) 2(10.52) 1(5.26) 4(21.05) 3(16) ----- ----- 19(6.33)
with us
Take your grand children for outing
Yes ----- ----- 14(28) 9(18) 6(12) 9(18) 3(6) ----- ----- 2(4) 2(4) 5(10) 50 (17)
No ----- ----- 16(8.42) 21(11.05) 16(8.42) 26(14) 25(13.15) 5(3) 40(21.05) 15 (8) 4(2.10) 22(11.57) 190(63.33)
If no why?
(i) Health problems ----- ----- 5(5) 19(18.44) 9(9) 3(3) 21(20.38) 1(1) 34(33) 10(10) 1(1) ----- 103(34.33)
(ii) Their parents ----- ----- 7(15.21) 16(35) ----- 3(6.52) 1(2.17) 2(4.34) 7(15.21) 2(4.34) 4(9) 4(9) 46(15.33)
don’t allow them
(iii) Grand children ----- ----- 12(12.24) 10(10.20) 16(16.32) 20(20.40) 3(3.06) 2 (2.04) 9(9.18) 3(3.06) 4(4.08) 19(19.38) 98(33)
don’t want to come with
us

* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses *Males *Females

CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
(b) With grandchildren:-
Regarding grand children’s spending time with them, 45% of the total respondents i.e.
WLA (23%), AMLA (17%), WDLMC (15%), WLMD (14%) and WDLA (11%) “don’t
spend” time with them whereas 35% of them i.e. CLWC (27% males and 18% females),
WLMC and WDLMC each (14%), say that their grand children do “spend time” with them.
15 percent of the total respondents i.e. CLWC (35% males and 22% females), WLMC (15%)
and WLMD (11%), reported the activities they perform with grand children are “listening to
their school activities” whereas equal percent i.e. 15% of the total respondents, CLWC (32%
females and 16% males) and WLA (16%), reported that they “discuss personal experiences”
with their grand children.
Reasons for not spending time with grandparents, 39% of the total respondents i.e.
WLA (23%), WLMD (14%) and WDLMC (14%) and WDLA (10%), feel that grand children
are “busy” in their studies. 63 percent of the total respondents i.e. WLA (21%), WDLMC
(14%), WLMD (13%), AMLA (11%), and CLWC (11% females each respectively), said that
they are “unable to take” their grand children with them. The reasons stated by 34% of the
total respondents i.e. WLA (33%), WLMD (20%), CLWC (18% females) and WDLA (10%),
for their inability are their “ill – health” whereas 33% of them i.e. WDLMC (20%), AMLA
(19%), CLWC (12% males and 10% females) and WLA (9%), feel that their grand children
“don’t want to go” with them for outing.
OBSERVATION OF ELDERLY AND FAMILY MEMBERS INTERACTION WITH
EACH OTHER
On the basis of observation conducted in varying familial patterns regarding the living
pattern of the families, interaction of aged parents with family members and care provided by
the family members to aged parents, it is concluded under the following sub – headings:-
1. CHILDREN NOT WILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Couples who are living alone (CLA) feel satisfied with their life because they are
properly looked after by their spouses without taking life as burden for each other. On the
basis of observation, it is concluded that couples who are living with children (CLWC) are
dissatisfied with their life. It was observed that they take on the responsibility of looking after
their needs themselves even though their children live with them. Some of the respondents
stated that “when we were young, everybody gives us importance but today we are
considered as spare parts”. (Jawani mein sab poochte hain par budi haddion Ko koi nahi
poochta). On the basis of observation, it is concluded that they feel helpless when they fall
sick. They say that “Our children have no time for us and they don’t feel responsible
1
even to take an appointment from the doctor so we should keep patience and wait for
them to have sometime for us.” (Bachhon Ke paas waqt nahin, samajdhari nahin bude
maa-baap ke liye, isliye hamein intezaar karna chahiye unke waqt ka).
Most of the elderly living with children are looked after by their spouses when they
fall ill and this is because of growing generation and communication gap. Widows who are
living alone (WLA) observed to such an extent that when they fall sick, their sons and
daughter’s- in-law don’t even visit to see whether the mother/mother-in-law is living alive or
dead. They don’t even know the whereabouts of their children as they are unable to provide
information regarding their children’s residence. They said, “I ask others about their
residence, they never come to meet me or enquire about me from someone”. (Logon se
poochti hoon unka thikhana, mujhe na who milne aate hain, na kisi se who mera pata lete
hain).It is clear from the observations that children are not willing to take responsibility of
their elderly parents due to lack of time because they are busy in their own family and work.
2. CHILDREN NOT PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT
On the basis of observation, it is concluded that couples who are living with their
children (CLA) are not financially supported by their children. They said that “Government
should cut some share from our children’s salary for senior citizens”. (Bachhon Ki
Kamaeye se Government Ko Kuchh hissa Kaat lena chahiye buddon ke liye). It is also
observed from the responses of aged males that “parents should give ‘Fargati’ ( disown) to
those children who don’t provide help to their needy parents.” (Maa-baap Ko apni
zaidaad ka ek bhi hissa aise bachhon ko nahin dena chahiye jo apne bude maa-baap ko
sahara nahin dete hain). They also said that “either we should die first before our
children or children who don’t support us, should die first”. (Aise bachhon ke maa-baap
pehle mar jaane chahiye, Agar maa baap hain to bachhe mar jaane chahiye). Those
respondents who receive financial help from kin, do not have good relations with their
sons/daughters and in many cases, they depend upon others, like their “Friends”. Majority of
the aged couples have expressed their dissatisfaction over the help which they are getting
from their children. In those families, where widows are living with married daughters
(WLMD), more benefits are observed in terms of support and financial help from the
daughters rather than sons.
3. FAMILY MEMBERS NOT SPENDING TIME WITH AGED PARENTS
Couples living alone (CLA) are satisfied with meagre time that their children spend
on phone with them. They said “We need their time and they spend some time with us
through telephone on an alternate day” (Hamein unke waqt Ki zaroorat hai aur woh thoda
2
sa waqt bhi nikhalte hain hamare liye). Families where couples are living with their children
(CLWC) are dissatisfied. They said that “our children consider us useless and unwanted
member in the family.” (Bachhe bekaar samajte hain humko apne hi ghar mein).
Grandchildren do not prefer to spend time with their grandparents as they get irritated by
their sermons regarding ‘do’s and don’ts’. They were helpless and insecure too. They said
“when children will have their own children and understand the importance of aged
parents in family, we will leave the world.”(Jab bachhe Maa-baap ban Jayenge aur
samjhegein, tab tak hum bhagwan ko pyaare ho jayenge). Grandchildren also do not prefer to
spend time with their grandparents as they get irritated by their sermons regarding ‘do’s and
don’ts’. They were helpless and insecure too. It is concluded from the observation that
children considered them as worthless and without any use.
4. CHILDREN’S LACK OF SENSITIVITY
Some of the couples who are living with their children (CLWC) identify their own life
story with the story of a Bollywood movie “BAGHBAN”. They said “When children get
married, they like their parents-in-law instead of their own parents.” (Bachhe apne Maa-
baap Ko chod kar doosre ke Maa-baap ko pasand karte hain). In some of the families,
where widowers are living with married children (WDLMC), the researcher observed that
while conducting interview with the aged parents in family, daughter’s-in-law used to leave
all the household work she was doing to sit and observe or answer questions, that were
directed to their in-laws, regarding old age pension, service pension and care and support
provided by children in the family, she was apprehensive of any revelations they might make.
When the interviewer asked about the support provided by the children, they said “Our
children are busy in their own lives and they are unable to spend some time with us”.
(Bachhe apni-apni zindagi mein mast hain, unke paas hamare liye waqt ki kami hai).
Daughter’s-in-law immediately interrupted and said that “Since i got married, I am not
taking any reward from my parent’s-in-law till now.” (Kar karakar bhi joote khate hain).
It is observed in some families that aged parents live with children either because of their
needs or the needs of their children or a combination of both. It is also observed that elderly
parents who provide support to children experienced a greater sense of well being than those
who did not.

3
 TABLE 4.1.3 (a): Showing financial support provided by children to elderly parents
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Females Males Females
(n=30) ( n=30) (n=30) ( n=30) (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)
Source of Income

(i) Business 12 (10.16) 3(2.54) 14 (12) 14(12) 3(2.54) 28 (24) 4 (3.38) 2(2) 2(2) 11 ( 9.32) 4 ( 3.38) 21 (18) 118(39.33)
(ii) Property 16 (8) 16(8) 28 (14) 28( 14) 17(8.29) 19( 9.26) 21(10.24) 5( 2.43) 32 (16) 2 (1) 2(1) 19(9.26) 205(68.33)
(iii) Pension 19 (18.09) 8(8) 8(8) 2(2) 7(7) 16(15.23) 17(16.19) 3(3) 8(8) 6(6) ---- 11(10.47) 105(35)
(iv) Saving 21(12) 13(7.38) 24(14) 10(6) 14(8) 23(13.06) 12(7) 5(3) 16(9.09) 10(6) 2(1.13) 26(15) 176(59)
(v) Money given by 6(5.50) 12(11) 6(5.50) 12(11) 21(19.26) ----- 8(7.33) 3(3) 37(34) 3(3) ---- 1(1) 109(36.33)
children
Children gave ‘monthly pocket Money’ for meeting Personal expenses?
Yes 6(13.33) 12(27) 2(4.44) 10(22.22) 2(4.44) ----- 2(4.44) 1(2.22) 8(18) ----- 2(4.44) ----- 45(15)
No 24(9.41) 18(7.05) 28(11) 20(8) 20(8) 35(14) 26(10.19) 4(1.56) 32(12.54) 17(7) 4(1.56) 27(10.58) 255(85)

If yes, how much?

(i) Rs. 50 – Rs.100 1(12.5) 4(50) ----- 2(25) ----- ----- 1(12.5) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 8(3)
(ii) Rs. 100 – Rs.200 4(19.04) 5(24) ----- 6(28.57) 1(5) ----- 1(5) ----- 2(9.52) ----- 2(9.52) ----- 21(7)
(iii) Rs. 200 – Rs.500 4(21.05) 4(21.05) 2(10.52) 2(10.52) 2(10.52) ----- ----- 1(5.26) 4(21.05) ----- ----- ----- 19(6.33)
(iv) Rs. 500 & above 3(27.27) 6(54.54) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 2(18.18) ----- ----- ----- 11(4)

Satisfied with children’s contribution?

Yes 2(7.40) 8(30) 2(7.40) 6(22.22) 2(7.40) ----- ----- ----- 6(22.22) ----- 1(4) ----- 27(9)
No 4(22.22) 4(22.22) ----- 4(22.22) ----- ----- 2(11.11) 1(5.55) 2(11.11) ----- 1(5.55) ----- 18(6)

If no, why?
(i) Don’t fulfill 1(1.11) ----- ----- 4(44.44) ----- ----- 1(11.11) ----- 2(22.22) ----- 1(11.11) ----- 9(3)
our
requirements
(ii) Don’t provide 3(21.42) 4(28.57) ----- 4(28.57) ----- ----- 2(14.28) 1(7.14) ----- ----- ----- ----- 14(5)
“Fixed pocket
Money”

Who provides money for pilgrimages?

(i) Manage myself 28(15) 3(1.60) 30(16.04) 14(7.48) 13(7) 33(18) 15(8.02) 3(1.60) 1(0.53) 15(8.02) 6(3.20) 26(14) 187(62.33)
(ii) Sons/Spouse 2(4) 21(40) ----- 10(19) 4(7.54) ----- 3(6) 1(2) 11(21) 1(2) ----- ----- 53(18)
(iii) Married ----- 6(10) ----- 6(10) 5(8.33) 2(3.33) 10(17) 1(2) 28(47) 1(2) ----- 1(2) 60(20)
daughters

* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses * Males * Females
CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY CHILDREN
Results reveal from the Table 4.1.3 (a) that 68% of the total respondents i.e. WLA
(16%), CLWC (14% males and females), WLMD (10%) and WDLMC (9%) stated that the
major source of income is their own “Property”. 59 percent of the total respondents i.e.
AMLA (15%), CLWC (14%), WDLMC (13%), CLA (12%) and WLA (9%) stated that
“saving” is the main source of income whereas 39% of them, WDLMC (24%), AMLA
(18%), CLWC (12% males and females), CLA (10%) and WDLA (9%), stated that
“Business” is the main source of income.
85 percent of the respondents i.e. WDLMC (14%), WLA (12%), CLWC (11% males),
AMLA (10%) and CLA (9% males), said that their children “don’t give monthly pocket
money” whereas 15% of them, Couples i.e. CLA (27% females and 13% males) and CLWC
(22% females) and WLA (18%), reported that they “take monthly pocket money” from
children.

Figure 4.1.11: Perception of elderly regarding financial support provided by children

7 percent of the total respondents i.e. CLWC (28% females) and CLA (24% females
and 19% males), reported that their monthly pocket money falls between “Rs. 100 –Rs. 200”
whereas 6% of them, WLA (21%) and CLA each (21% males and females), CLWC (10%
males and females) and WLMC each (10%), reported that it falls between “Rs. 200 –
Rs.500”. 9 percent of the total sample i.e. CLA (30% females), CLWC(22% females) and
WLA each (22%) are in favour that they are “satisfied with children’s contribution”

1
whereas 6% of them i.e. Couples, CLA (22% males and females) and CLWC (22% females),
WLMD and WLA each (11%) stated that they are “dissatisfied” with their contribution. 5
percent of the total respondents i.e. Couples, CLA (28% of females and 21% males) and
CLWC (28% females) and WLMD (14%), complained that children don’t provide “fixed
pocket money” whereas 3% of them i.e. CLWC (44% females), WLA (22%), WLMD (11%)
and CLA each (11% males), complained that the money which they have given to them
“could not fulfill their daily needs”. 62 percent of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (18%),
CLWC (16% males), CLA (15% males) and AMLA (14%), reported that they “themselves
have managed money” for pilgrimages.

2
 TABLE 4.1.3 (b) : Showing familial and financial support during their illness
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Males (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)
Females Females
(n=30) ( n=30) (n=30) ( n=30)
Who do you feel should provide proper care and attention to you during illness?
(i) Spouse 26(29) 24(27) 24(27) 16(18) N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. ----- 90(30)
(ii) Children ----- 3(4.54) 3(4.54) 28(42.42) 10(15.15) 3(4.54) 2(3.03) 1(1.51) 16(24.24) ----- ----- ----- 66(22)
(iii) Grand Children ----- ----- 4(11.11) 23(64) 2(5.55) ----- ----- 2(5.55) 5(14) ----- ----- ----- 36(12)
(iv) Friends ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 3(33.33) 4(44.44) 2(22.22) 9(3)
(v) Nobody 4(2.35) 43(2) 19(11.17) 12(7.05) 12(7.05) 32(19) 26(15.29) 2(1.17) 19(11.17) 14(8.23) 2(1.17) 25(15) 170(57)
If nobody, what are the reasons?
(i) Feel inferior 1(3) ----- 3(8.10) 4(11) 4(11) 2(5.40) 9(24.32) ----- 5(13.51) 2(5.40) 2(5.40) 5(13.51) 37(12.33)
(ii) Don’t want to take 3(2.20) 3(2.20) 16(12) 8(6) 8(6) 30(22.05) 19(14) 2(1.47) 14(10.29) 12(9) 1(1) 20(15) 136(45.33)
any body’s help
Expenditure on medicines
(i) Rs. 1000-Rs. 1500 14(15.38) ----- 18(20) 12(13.18) 4(4.39) 19(21) 12(13.18) 2(2.19) 1(1.09) 1(1.09) 4(4.39) 4(4.39) 91(30.33)
(ii) Rs.1600- Rs.2100 12(9.16) 4(3.05) 12(9.16) 15(11.45) 11(8.39) 16(12.21) 19(14.50) 1(1) 14(11) 7(5.34) 1(1) 19(14.50) 131(44)
(iii) Rs.2200- Rs.2700 4(4.49) 26(29.21) ----- 1(1.12) 4(4.49) ----- 14(16) ----- 31(35) 8(9) ----- 1(1.12) 89(30)
(iv) Can’t afford ----- ----- ----- 2(9.09) 3(14) ----- 6(27.27) 2(9.09) 4(18.18) 1(4.54) 1(4.54) 3(14) 22(7.33)

Who gives you money for your medicines?

(i) Manage myself 30(15.38) 19(10) 27(14) 8(4.10) 7(3.58) 35(18) 17(9) 2(1.02) 9(5) 11(6) 5(2.56) 25(13) 195(65)
(ii) Sons/Spouse ----- 8(14) 6(10.34) 12(21) 12(21) ----- 4(7) 1(2) 13(22.41) 1(1) ----- 1(1) 58(19.33)
(iii) Married Daughters ----- 3(4.41) ----- 18(26.47) 9(13.23) ----- 7(10.29) 2(3) 24(35.29) 3(4.41) 1(1.47) 1(1.47) 68(23)

( iv) Friends ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 1(20) 2(40) 2(40) ----- 5(2)

* Multiple responses N.A. Not Applicable % ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses * Males * Females
CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 FAMILIAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ELDERLY DURING THEIR ILLNESS

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

Spouse Children Grand Children Friends Nobody

Figure 4.1.12: Perception of Elderly regarding care provided during illness

It is clear from the Table 4.1.3 (b) that the care and attention during illness of aged,
57% of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (19%), WLMD and AMLA each (15%), WLA
(11%) and CLWC each (11% males) feel that “no body” should provide care and attention
during illness, 30% of the total respondents i.e. CLA (29% males and 27% females) and
CLWC (27% males and 18% females) prefer that their “spouses” should provide care and
attention whereas 22% of them, CLWC (42% females), WLA (24%) and WLMC (15%)
prefer that “children should provide care and attention during illness. 45 percent of the total
sample i.e. WDLMC (22%), AMLA (15%), WLMD (14%), CLWC (12% males), WLA
(10%) and WDLA (9%) stated that they “don’t want to take anybody’s help” during illness.
44 percent of the total respondents i.e. WLMD and AMLA each (14%), WDLMC (12%),
WLA and CLWC each (11% females) and CLA and CLWC each (9% males) stated that the
expenditure incurred on their medicines falls between “Rs. 1600 –Rs. 2100” whereas 30% of
them, WDLMC (21%), CLWC (20% males and 13% females), CLA (15% males) and
WLMD (13%) stated that “Rs. 1000 –Rs. 1500” is the minimum expenditure incurred on
their medicines.
65 percent of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (18%), CLA (15% males and 10%
females), CLWC (14% males), AMLA (13%), and WLMD (9%), reported that they have
“managed their medicines themselves”. It is interesting to note that 23% of the respondents
i.e. WLA (35%), CLWC (26% females), WLMC (13%) and WLMD (10%) stated that they
have taken “money from their married daughters” whereas 19% of them, WLA (22%),

1
WLMC (21%), CLWC (21% females and 10% males) and CLA (14% females) have taken
money for their medicines either from their “sons or spouses”.

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

Manage myself Sons/Spouse Married Daughters Friends

Figure 4.1.13: Sources of elderly for taking money for medicines

2
 TABLE 4.1. 3 (c): Showing satisfaction of the elderly regarding care provided by children
Responses CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA TOTAL*
Males Females Males Females
(n=30) (n=30) (n=30) (n=30) (n=22) (n=35) (n=28) (n=5) (n=40) (n=17) (n=6) (n=27) (n=300)

Expect anything regarding care from children?

Yes 21(14.38) 24(16.43) 10(7) 27(18.49) 18(12.32) 2(1.36) 5(3.42) 1(1) 19(13.01) 12(8.21) 1(1) 6(4.10) 146(49
No 9(6) 6(4) 20(13) 3(2) 4(2.59) 33(21.42) 23(15) 4(2.59) 21(14) 5(3.24) 5(3.24) 21(14) 154 (51.33)

If no, why?
(i) Children are 3(3.44) 1(1.14) 13(15) 1(1.14) 2(2.29) 30(34.48) 12(14) 2(2.29) 15(17.24) 1(1.14) 2(2.29) 5(6) 87(29)
thankless
(ii) Hurt our 1(1.51) ----- 20(30.30) ----- 4(6.06) 5(7.57) 16(24.24) 2(3.03) 10(15.15) 1(1.51) 4(6.06) 3(4.54) 66(22)
sentiments
(iii) Children are 5(8.33) 5(8.33) 10(17) 3(5) 1(2) 7(12) 4(7) ----- 2(3.33) 3(5) 1(2) 19(32) 60(20)
working outside
Satisfied with the care provided by children?
Yes 21(12) 28(16) 17(9.55) 23(13) 12(7) 6(3.37) 19(11) 2(1.12) 21(12) 9(5.05) 1(0.56) 19(11) 178(59.33)
No 9(7.37) 2(2) 13(11) 7(6) 10(8.19) 29(24) 9(7.37) 3(2.45) 19(15.57) 8(6.55) 5(4.09) 8(6.55) 122(41)
If no, what are the reasons?
(i) Perceive as 4(4.44) ----- 13(14.44) 5(5.55) 6(7) 26(29) 6(7) 2(2.22) 13(14.44) 3(3.33) 6(7) 6(7) 90(30)
burden
(ii) Argue with us 2(3.07) ----- 4(6.15) 6(9.23) 9(14) 13(20) 5(8) 1(1.53) 9(14) 5(8) 6(9.23) 5(8) 65(22)
(iii) Use abusive ----- 2(5.26) 3(8) 2.(5.26) 2(5.26) 9(24) 9(24) 1(3) 4(10.52) 1(3) 3(8) 2(5.26) 38(13)
language
( iv) Don’t show 3(3.19) ----- 9(9.57) 7(7.44) 7(7.44) 29(31) 7(7.44) 2(2.12) 19(20.21) 2(2.12) 1(1.06) 8(8.51) 94(31.33)
concern

* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses * Males * Females
CLA : Couples living alone CLWC : Couples living with children WLMC : Widows living with married children
WDLMC : Widowers living with married children WLMD : Widows living with married daughters WDLMD : Widowers living with married daughters
WLA : Widows living alone WDLA : Widowers living alone WDLF : Widowers living with friends
AMLA : Aged males living alone

1
 SATISFACTION OF AGED WITH THE CARE PROVIDED BY THEIR CHILDREN

Figure 4.1.14: Perception regarding care provided by children

It is evident from the Table 4.1.3 (c) that 51% of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC
(21%), WLMD (15%), WLA and AMLA (14% each) and CLWC (13% males) say that they
“don’t expect any kind of care” from children whereas 49% of them, Couples (CLWC 18%
females and CLA 16% females and 14% males), Widows (WLA 13% and WLMC 12%),
stated that they “expected care” from their children.

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Females

Females
Males

Males

CLA CLWC WLMC WDLMC WLMD WDLMD WLA WDLA WDLF AMLA

Children are thankless Hurt our sentiments Children are w orking outside

1
 Figure 4.1.15: Reasons for not expecting care from children
29 percent of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (34%), WLA (17%), CLWC (15%
males), and WLMD (14%) feel that “children are thankless” towards them whereas 22% of
the total respondents i.e. CLWC (30% males), WLMD (24%) and WLA (15%) said that the
“children hurt their sentiments”. Nearly 20% of them i.e. AMLA (32%) and CLWC (17%
males), and WDLMC (12%) are of the view that they don’t expect any kind of care from their
children as “they are working outside Jammu”. 59 percent of the total sample i.e. CLA
(16% females and 12% males), CLWC (13% females and 9% males), WLA (12%) and
AMLA and WLMD (11% each), said that they are “satisfied with the care” provided by
children whereas 41% of them i.e. WDLMC (24%) , WLA (15%) and CLWC (11% males),
stated that they are “dissatisfied” with them; 31 percent of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC
(31%) and WLA (20%), stated the reasons for their dissatisfaction is “children don’t show
concern” towards them; followed by 30% of the respondents, WDLMC (29%), WLA (14%)
and CLWC each (14% males) who stated that children “perceive them as burden”. 22
percent of the total respondents i.e. WDLMC (20%), WLA and WLMC each (14%) and
WDLF (9%) and CLWC each (9% females), complained that “children argue with them”.

2
 SECTION- 4.2
PERCEPTION OF FAMILY TOWARDS ELDERLY, AGEING PROCESS AND
ADJUSTMENTS REQUIRED BOTH BY FAMILY AND ELDERLY

CHILDREN
TABLE 4.2.1(a) : Profile of children of the aged sample

Responses Sons Daughter’s-in-law Total

(n=10) (n=40) (n=50)
f % f % f %
Age-wise Distribution ( in years)
30-34 years 1 (10) 14 (35) 15 (30)
35-39 years 8 (80) 26 (65) 34 (68)
40 years and above 1 (10) ---- 1 (2)
Educational Qualification
Illiterate 2 (20) 1 (25) 3 (6)
Under Matric 1 (10) 5 (12.5) 6 (12)
Matric 2 (20) 12 (30) 16 (32)
Higher Secondary 4 (40) 16 (40) 18 (36)
Graduate 1 (10) 4 (10) 5 (10)
Post Graduate ---- 2 (5) 2 (4)
Occupational Profile*
Business 6 (60) 7 (17.5) 13 (26)
Govt. Employee 3 (30) 2 (5) 5 (10)
Maison 2 (20) ---- 2 (4)
House Wife ---- 38 (95) 38 (76)

* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses

Figures in bold are majority responses

Table 4.2.1 (a) reveals that 68% of the respondents (80% sons and 65% daughter’s-
in-law) were in the age group of 35-39 years i.e. middle adulthood whereas 30% of them
(35% daughter’s –in-law and 10% sons) were in the age group of 30-34 years.
36 percent of the respondents (40% sons and 40% daughter’s –in – law each) were
higher secondary passed ; 32% (30% daughter’s–in-law and 20% sons) were matriculate ;
12% (12% daughter’s – in-law and 10% sons) were under matric whereas 10% of them (10%
sons and 10% daughter’s– in–law each) were graduates.

3
 76 percent of the respondents (95% daughter’s– in–law) were housewives; 26% of
them (60% sons and 17% daughter’s–in–law) were running their own business ; followed by
10% of the respondents (30% sons and 5% daughter’s– in–law) who were government
employee.
94 percent of the respondents (100% sons and 92% daughter’s– in–law) were married
whereas 6% of them (7% daughter’s– in–law) who were widows.
TABLE 4.2.1 (b) : Perception of children regarding ‘Ageing’

Responses Sons Daughter’s-in-law Total

(n=10) (n=40) (n=50)
f % f % f %
When does a person becomes old*…
• Criteria :
a) Age :-
(i) After 50 years 2 (20) 2 (5) 4 (8)
(ii) After 60 years 4 (40) 21 (52.5) 25 (50)
b) Physically weakness :-
(i) Not able to do work 3 (30) 33 (82.5) 36 (72)
(ii) General weakness 9 (90) 15 (37.5) 24 (48)
(iii) Grey hair ---- 8 (20) 8 (16)
c) ‘Empty nest’ feeling :-
(i) After retirement 3 (30) 14 (35) 17 (34)
from job
* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses
Figures in bold are majority responses
Table 4.2.1 (b) reveals that the ‘criteria’ which emerges for defining old age among
the respondents is– ‘Age’, ‘physical strength’ and ‘empty nest’ feeling. Taking physical
strength, age and “empty nest” as a criteria, 72% of the respondents (82% daughter’s–in–law
and 30% sons) believe that old age begins “when one is not able to work” whereas 48% of
them (90% sons and 37% daughter’s–in–law) say that it begins “when one feels general
weakness in body” ; 50% of the respondents (52% daughter’s–in–law and 40% sons) say that
it begins “after 60 year of age”; 34% of the respondents (35% daughter’s–in–law and 30%
sons) believe that “it is the time after retirement.”

4
 TABLE 4.2.1 (c) : Showing interaction of children with aged parents
Responses Sons Daughter’s-in-law Total*
(n=10) (n=40) (n=50)
f % f % f %
Do you spend some time with your aged parents?
Yes 4 (40) 14 (35) 18 (36)
No 6 (60) 26 (65) 32 (64)
If no, why?
(i) Have no patience to listen 1 (10) 13 (32.5) 14 (28)
them 5 (50) 16 (40) 21 (42)
(ii) Feel tired after day’s work
Do they spend some time with you?
Yes 4 (40) 6 (15) 10 (20)
No 6 (60) 34 (85) 40 (80)
What kind of interaction do you have with your aged parents?
(i) Give respect 10 (10) 28 (70) 38 (76)
(ii) Spend time with them 4 (40) 2 (5) 6 (12)
(iii) Give moral and
financial support 7 (70) 6 (15) 13 (26)
(iv) Take them for 5 ( 50) 3 (7.5) 8 (16)
pilgrimages
(v) Help them in their personal 2 ( 20) 34 (85) 36 (72)
chores
Do your views match with your parents/-in-law?
Yes 9 (90) 35 (87.5) 44 (88)
No 1 (10) 5 (12.5) 6 (12)
If yes, on what issues?
(i) Waking up early --- 16 (40) 16 (32)
(ii) Grand children’s eating
pattern 3 (3) 9 (2.5) 12 (24)
(iii) Not providing ‘monthly
fixed amount’ 7 (70) 28 (70) 35 (70)
(iv) During monthly periods --- 4 (10) 4 (8)
of grand daughters
How do you deal with disagreements?
(i) Ignore them 3 (30) 31 (77.5) 34 (68)
(ii) Argue with them 7 (70) 9 (22) 16 (32)
(iii) Leave them alone ---- 6 (15) 6 (12)
Feel anytime that you have been forced to do something by your parent’s in-law
Yes ---- 26 (65) 26 (52)
No 10 (10) 14 (35) 24 (48)
If yes, how do you deal?
(i) Perform according to ---- 16 (32) 16 (32)
them ---- 1 (2) 1 (2)
(ii) Argue with them ---- 9 (18) 9 (18)
(iii) No concern shown

5
* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses
Figures in bold are majority responses
It is clear from the above table that 64% of the respondents (65% daughter’s–in–law
and 60% sons) said that they “don’t spent time with them” ; 42% of the respondents (50%
sons and 40% daughter’s–in–law) stated that the reasons for not spending time with them is
that they “ feel tired after coming from their jobs / doing household chores” whereas 28%
of them (32% daughter’s–in–law and 10% sons) stated that they “have no patience to listen
them” 80% of the respondents (85% daughter’s–in–law and 60% sons) said that their “aged
parents also don’t spend time” with them.
Regarding the kind of interaction between them and their parents, 76% of the
respondents (70% daughter’s–in–law and 10% sons) said that they “gave respect” to them ;
72% of them (85% daughter’s – in – law and 20% sons) stated that they “provide help in
performing their personal chores” whereas 26% of them (70% sons and 15% daughter’s–in–
law) stated that they “gave moral and financial support” to them.

Figure 4.2.1: Kind of interaction with aged parents

88 percent of the sample (90% sons and 87% daughter’s –in-law) say that their “views
are not matched with their parent’s- in–law”. 70 percent of the respondents (70% sons and
70% daughter’s–in–law each) stated the reasons for not providing “monetary help” to them ;
32% of them (40% daughter’s–in–law) said that their parent’s–in– law wanted that they
“should wake up early in the morning” whereas 24% of the respondents (22% daughter’s –
in–law and 3% sons) replied that “eating pattern of their children” is an another reason of
6
disagreements between them. 68 percent of the respondents (77% daughter’s-in-law and 30%
sons) said that they “ignore them” whereas 32% of them (70% sons and 22% daughter’s-in-
law) said that they “argue” with them whenever disagreements occur between them 52% of
the respondents (65% daughter’s-in-law) feel that they have been “forced by their parent’s-
in-law”; 32% of the respondents (16% daughter’s-in-law) replied that they “perform
household chores according to them” whereas 18% of them (9% daughter’s-in-law) replied
that they “don’t show concern” towards them.
TABLE 4.2.1 (d) : Showing support provided by aged parents to their children

Responses Sons Daughter’s-in-law Total

(n=10) (n=40) (n=50)
f % f % f %
Do you share problems with your aged parents?
Yes 2 (20) 14 (35) 16 (32)
No 8 (80) 26 (65) 34 (68)

If no, Why?
(i) Can’t help us 6 (60) 2 (5) 8 (16)
(ii) No concern shown ---- 13 (32.5) 13 (26)
(iii) Blame us 2 (20) 11 (27.5) 13 (26)
If yes, what Kind of problems you share with them?

(i) Conflicts with

---- 7 (17.5) 7 (14)
Spouse
---- 4 (10) 4 (8)
(ii) Health problems
2 (20) 3 (7.5) 5 (10)
(iii) Daily needs of
children
How do they help you*?
(i) Listen Carefully ---- 8 (20) 8 (16)
(ii) Suggest alternatives 2 (20) 6 (15) 8 (16)
(iii) Take our advice 1 (10) 3 (7.5) 4 (8)

* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses

Figures in bold are majority responses

7
 Table 4.2.1 (d) reveals that 68% of the respondents (80% sons and 65% daughter’s -
in– law) stated that they “don’t share their problems with aged parents” whereas 32% of
them (35% daughter’s -in– laws and 20% sons) stated that they “share” problems with them.
26% of the respondents (32% daughter’s -in– law) stated the reasons for not sharing their
problems with them is that “aged parents don’t show their concern” regarding their
problems whereas equal number of the sample (26% ; 27% daughter’s–in law and 20% sons)
stated that they “blame us” regarding the same. 16% of them (60% sons and 5% daughter’s–
in–law) stated that they “could not help us” in solving their problems. 14% of the
respondents (17% daughter’s–in– law) said that they “share their conflicts with their
spouses” with them; 10% of them (20% sons and 7% daughter’s–in–law) said that they
“share daily needs of their children” with them. 16% of the respondents (20% daughter’s–
in–law) said that their in – laws’ “carefully listen” their problems ; followed by equal
number of the respondents (16% ; 20% sons and 15% daughter’s–in–law) said that they
“suggest alternatives” regarding their problems.

TABLE 4.2.1 (e) : Showing perception of children’s satisfaction regarding support

provided by the aged parents

Responses Sons Daughter’s-in-law Total

(n=10) (n=40) (n=50)
f % f % f %
Expect any support from aged parents?

Yes 8 (80) 27 (67.5) 35 (87.5)

No 2 (20) 13 (32.5) 15 (37.5)
If no, why? *
(i) Can’t understand ---- 9 (22.5) 10 (18)
our needs
(ii) We ‘know 2 (20) ---- 2 (4)
everything’
(iii) No need for help 2 (20) 4 (10) 6 (12)

Feel that they should come forward & support you

Yes 8 (80) 35 (92.5) 45 (90)
No 2 (20) 3 (7.5) 5 (10)

Satisfied with the support provided by aged parents?

Yes 6 (60) 31 (77.5) 36 (74)
No 4 (40) 9 (22.5) 13 (26)
If no, what are the reasons? *

8
(i) Don’t show concern
(ii) Double our work 2 (40) 6 (15) 9 (20)
(iii) Superficial ---- 3 (7.5) 2 (6)
behaviour ---- 2 (5) 2 (4)

* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses

Figures in bold are majority responses

Figure 4.2.2: Children’s expectations regarding support from aged parents

It is evident from the above table that 87% of the respondents (80% sons and 67%
daughter’s-in-law) do “expect support” from their aged parents. 18 percent of the
respondents (22% daughter’s-in-law) stated the reasons for not expecting support from them
is “they are unable to understand their (children’s) needs” whereas 12% of them (20%
sons and 10% daughter’s-in-law) replied that they “don’t need their (parents’) help”.
Regarding support needed by children from their aged parents, 90% of the
respondents (92% daughter’s-in-law and 80% sons) replied that “aged parents should come
forward and support” them at the time of need. 74 percent of the respondents (77%
daughter’s-in-law and 60% sons) said that they are “satisfied with the support” provided by
their parents. 20 percent of them (40% sons and 15% daughter’s-in-law) stated the reasons
for their dissatisfaction regarding their support is that they (the parents) “don’t show
concern” towards them.

9
 Figure 4.2.3: Satisfaction of children regarding support provided by aged parents
TABLE 4.2.1 (f) : Showing care provided by children to their aged parents

Responses Sons Daughter’s-in-law Total

(n=10) (n=40) (n=50)
f % f % f %
When they are ill, who looks after them?
(i) Aged Parents/Parent’s-in-law 4 (20) 32 (80) 36 (72)
(ii) Offspring 2 (20) 4 (10) 6 (12)
(iii) Paid Helper 4 (40) 4 (10) 8 (16)
Who provides special diet during illness?
(i) Daughter’s-in-law 6 (60) 36 (90) 42 (84)
(ii) Paid Helper 4 (40) 4 (10) 8 (16)
Feel that their attitude changes during illness?
Yes 9 (90) 33 (82.5) 42 (84)
No 1 (10) 7 (17.5) 8 (16)
If yes, what are those changes?
(i) Interfere in our personal 6 (60) 8 (20) 14 (28)
matters
(ii) Find faults/pinpointing 3 (30) 25 (62.5) 28 (56)
us
Do you need some help during that time?
Yes 10 (10) 38 (95) 48 (96)
No ---- 2 (5) 2 (4)
If yes, what kind of help*?
(i) Understand our 4 (40) 36 (90) 40 (80)
problems 3 (30) 12 (30) 15 (30)
(ii) Don’t interfere in our
personal matters 6 (60) 31 (77.5) 37 (74)
(iii) Try to modify their own
attitude

* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses

Figures in bold are majority responses

10
 It reveals from the table that 72% of the respondents (80% daughter’s-in-law and 20%
sons) replied that during illness, “aged parents take care of themselves” whereas 16% of
them (40% sons and 10% daughter’s-in-law) replied that “paid helper” looks after them and
provide special diet during illness. 84 percent of the respondents (90% daughter’s-in-law and
60% sons) said that daughter’s-in-law provide “special diet” to them. Equal percent of the
respondents (84%; 90% sons and 82% daughter’s-in-law) said that they “feel change in the
attitude of aged” during illness. 56 percent of them (62% daughter’s-in-law and 30% sons)
stated the changes which they feel during illness of their aged parent’s-in-law is that they
“find faults / pinpointing” them over small issues raised in the families whereas 28% of
them (60% sons and 20% daughter’s-in-law) replied that they “interfere” in their personal
matters. 96 percent of the respondents (95% daughter’s-in-law and 10% sons) said that they
“need help” at the time of their illness ; 80% of them (90% daughter’s-in-law and 40% sons)
stated the kind of help which they need from their aged parents is that they “should
understand their children’s problems” ; 74% of them (77% daughter’s-in-law and 60%
sons) said that they try to “modify their own attitude” whereas 30% of them (30% sons and
30% daughter’s-in-law each) said that they “don’t interfere in their personal matters

11
 TABLE 4.2.1 (g) : Showing perception regarding issues of adjustment between family
and aged parents
Responses Sons Daughter’s-in-law Total
(n=10) (n=40) (n=50)
f % f % f %
Feel that aged want to spend most of their time in pilgrimages?
Yes 3 (30) 15 (37.5) 18 (36)
No 7 (70) 25 (62.5) 32 (64)
If yes, are you able to fulfill their wishes?
Yes 1 (10) 9 (22.5) 10 (20)
No 9 (90) 6 (15) 15 (30)
Do you provide some financial support for pilgrimages?
Yes 4 (40) 6 (15) 10 (20)
No 6 (60) 34 (85) 40 (80)
If no, why?
(i) Can’t afford 6 (60) 18 (45) 24 (48)
(ii) They should mange of their own ---- 16 (40) 16 (32)
Feel they spend their time alone at home?
Yes 4 (40) 28 (70) 32 (64)
No 6 (60) 12 (30) 18 (36)
If yes, how do you compensate?
(i) Spend some time at night 3 (30) 2 (5) 5 (10)
(ii) Take some help in cutting vegetables
(iii) Accompany them in temple ---- 19 (47.5) 19 (38)
1 (10) 7 (17.5) 8 (16)
Needs of the family members for taking care of the aged*?
(i) Money 8 (80) 16 (40) 24 (48)
(ii) Time and energy 2 (20) 36 (90) 38 (76)
Feel that contribution of aged parents required in meeting your needs?
Yes 7 (70) 38 (95) 45 (90)
No 3 (30) 2 (5) 5 (10)
Feel that the situation of aged in India is worsening?
Yes 4 (40) 28 (70) 32 (64)
No 6 (60) 12 (30) 18 (36)
If yes, what are the reasons*?
(i) Their superstitious behaviour ---- 14 (35) 14 (28)
(ii) Interfering attitude 3 (30) 16 (40) 19 (38)
(iii) Irritating behaviour 4 (40) 27 (67.5) 31 (62)
How can this be changed*?
(i) Modify their own attitude 3 (30) 22 (55) 25 (50)
(ii) Understand children’s need 1 (10) 19 (47.5) 20 (40)
Who requires change*?
(i) Individual (aged) 5 (50) 35 (87.5) 40 (80)
(ii) Both sons and daughters-in-law 2 (20) 5 (12.5) 7 (14)
(iii) Society 4 (40) 3 (7.5) 7 (14)
* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses
Figures in bold are majority responses

Table 4.2.1 (g) reveals that 64% of the respondents (70% sons and 62% daughter’s-
in-law) feel that aged “don’t spend most of their time in pilgrimages” whereas 36% of them
(37% daughter’s-in-law and 30% sons) said that they do “spend” their time in pilgrimages.
30 percent of the respondents (90% sons and 15% daughter’s-in-law) said that they are
“unable to fulfill their wishes” regarding their pilgrimages whereas 20% of them (22%
daughter’s-in-law and 10% sons) said that they “fulfill their wish” regarding paying their

12
obeisance to religious places. 80 percent of the respondents (85% daughter’s-in-law and 60%
sons) said that they “could not provide financial support” to them for pilgrimages; 48% of
the respondents (60% sons and 45% daughter’s-in-law) stated the reasons is that they “could
not afford” money for pilgrimages whereas 32% of them (40% of daughter’s-in-law) observe
that aged parent’s “should manage” of their own. 64 percent of the respondents (70%
daughter’s-in-law and 40% sons) feel that their aged parent’s-in-law “spend their time
alone” at home. 38 percent of the respondents (47% daughter’s-in-law) replied that they
compensate their loneliness by “taking their help in cutting vegetables” whereas 16% of
them (17% daughter’s-in-law and 10% sons) replied that they “accompany them in temple”.
Regarding needs of the family members for taking care of aged, 76% of the
respondents (90% daughter’s-in-law and 20% sons) observe that they require “time and
energy” whereas 48% of them (80% sons and 40% daughter’s-in-law) said that they require
“money” for their care. 90 percent of the respondents (95% daughter’s-in-law and 70% sons)
feel that aged parent’s-in-law “should contribute” them in meeting their needs.

Figure 4.2.4: Needs of family members for taking care of aged parents

13
 Figure 4.2.5: Perception of children regarding contribution of aged parents in meeting
their needs

Regarding the status of elderly in India, 64% of the respondents (70% daughter’s-in-
law and 40% sons) replied that the situation of aged in India is “worsening”. 62 percent of
them (67% daughter’s-in-law and 40% sons) observe that their “irritating behaviour” is the
principal reason for their worsening situation ; 38% of the respondents (40% daughter’s-in-
law and 30 sons) observe their “interfering attitude” is the main cause for their miserable
condition whereas 28% of them (35% daughter’s-in-law) observe that their “superstitious
behaviour” is the reason behind their miserable life. 50 percent of the respondents (55%
daughter’s-in-law and 30% sons) replied that their worsening condition could be change if
they “try to modify their own attitude” whereas 40% of them (47% daughter’s-in-law and
10% sons) replied that they should “understand their children’s need”. 80 percent of them
(87% daughter’s-in-law and 50% sons) said that “aged requires change” in them; 14% of
them (40% sons and 7% daughter’s-in-law) said that “society need change” ; followed by
equal percent (14% ; 20% sons and 12% daughter’s-in-law) replied that “both sons and
daughter’s-in-law” require change in making their respectable position both in family and
society.

14
 SECTION- 4.3

GRAND CHILDREN
TABLE 4.3.1 (a) : Demographic profile of Grand children

Variables Grand sons Grand daughters Total

(n=16) (n=34) (n=50)
f % f % f %
Age Wise Distribution ( in Years) `
10- 14 years 9 (56.25) 14 (41.17) 23 (46)
15-19 years 2 (12.5) 8 (23.52) 10 (20)
20-24 years 2 (12.5) 5 (14.70) 7 (14)
25 years of above 3 (18.75) 7 (20.58) 10 (20)
Educational Qualification
5th – 9th Standard 9 (56.25) 14 (41.17) 23 (46)
10th- 12th Standard 1 (6.25) 8 (23.52) 9 (18)
Graduate 6 (37.5) 4 (11.76) 10 (20)
Post Graduate ----- 8 (23.52) 8 (16)

%ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses

Table 4.3.1 (a) reveals that 46% of the respondents (56% grand sons and 41% grand
daughters) were in the age group of 10-14 years; 20% of the respondents (23% grand
daughters and 12% grand sons) were in the age group of 15-19 years whereas equal percent
of the sample (20%; 20% grand daughters and 18% grand sons) were in the age group of 25
years and above. 14 percent of the sample (14% grand daughters and 12% grand sons) were
in the age group of 20-24 years.
46 percent of the respondents (56% grand sons and 41% grand daughters) were
educated between 5th -9th standard; 20% of them (37% grand sons and 11% grand daughters)
were graduates ; 18% of the respondents (23% grand daughters and 6% grand sons) were
educated between 10th -12th standard whereas 16% of them (23% grand daughters) were post
–graduates.

15
 TABLE 4.3.1 (b) : Showing perception of grandchildren regarding “Ageing”
Variables Grand sons Grand daughters Total
(n=16) (n=34) (n=50)
f % f % f %
When does a person becomes old…
• Criteria:
a) Age:-
(i) 50 – 54 years 2 (12.5) ---- 2 (4)
(ii) 55- 59 years 4 (25) 9 (26.47) 13 (26)
(iii) 60 years & above 10 (62.5) 25 (73.52) 35 (70)
b) Physical weakness*:-
(i) Not able to do work 6 (37.5) 18 (52.94) 24 (48)
(ii) Feeling tired 9 (56.25) 27 (79.41) 36 (72)
(iii) Weak Eyesight and 12 (75) 13 (38.23) 25 (50)
grey hair
(iv) Speak aimlessly 5 ( 31.25) 14 (41.17) 19 (38)
* Multiple responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses

Table 4.3.1 (b) reveals that the ‘criteria’ which emerges for defining old age among
the respondents is–‘Age’ and ‘Physical strength’. Taking ‘physical strength’ and age as a
criteria, 72% of the sample (79% grand daughters and 56% grand sons) stated that “Old age
begins when a person feels tired.” 50% of the respondents (75% grand sons and 38% grand
daughters) stated that “Old age begins when a person’s eyesight has weakened and hair
becomes grey”: 48% of them (52% grand daughters and 37% grand sons) replied that “Old
age begins when one is not able to work” whereas 38% of the respondents (41% grand
daughters and 31% grand sons) replied that “Old age begins when person speaks aimlessly”
and 70% of the respondents (73% grand daughters and 62% grand sons) said that “it starts
after 60 years of age” whereas 26% of them (26% grand daughters and 25% grand sons) said
that “it starts in the age of 55-59 years.”

16
 TABLE 4.3.1 (c) : Showing grandchildren’s relationship with their grandparents
Variables Grand sons (n=16) Grand daughters (n=34) Total* (n=50)
f % f % f %
Do you like the company of your grandparents?
Yes 9 (56.25) 15 (44.11) 24 (48)
No 7 (43.75) 19 (55.88) 26 (52)
How much time do you spend with your grandparents ?
(i) 5-10 minutes 7 (43.75) 15 (44.11) 22 (44)
(ii) Half an hour 5 (31.25) 1 (2.94) 6 (12)
(iii) Depends on the mood of 1 (6.25) 8 (23.52) 9 (18)
grandparents
(iv) Not much 5 (31.25) 15 (44.11) 20 (40)
In that period, what type of activities you performed with them?
(i) Help them in household chores 3 (18.75) 18 (53) 21 (42)
(ii) Read their religious books 1 (6.25) 12 (35.29) 13 (26)
(iii) Ask them to teach old stories 12 (75) 7 (20.58) 19 (38)
Do they share their life experiences with you?
Yes 8 (50) 15 (44.11) 23 (46)
No 8 (50) 19 (55.88) 27 (54)
How do you feel when they share their experiences with you?
(i) Good 9 (56.25) 4 (11.76) 13 (26)
(ii) Feel bored 5 (31.25) 11 (32.35) 16 (32)
(iii) Get irritated 2 (12.5) 19 (55.88) 21 (42)
When you face any problem, whom in your family do you approach first and why?
(i) Parents 10 (62.5) 23 (67.64) 33 (66)
(ii) Brother ---- 3 (8.82) 3 (6)
(iii) Sister 1 (6.25) 5 (14.70) 6 (12)
(iv) Grandparents 5 (31.25) 3 (8.82) 8 (16)
Reasons:
(i) Parents solve our problems easily 4 (25) 19 (55.88) 23 (46)
(ii) They can understand us better 6 (37.5) 4 (11.76) 10 (20)
Do you like your grandparents’ presence in your room?
Yes 4 (26) 12 (35.29) 16 (32)
No 12 (75) 22 (64.70) 34 (68)
Do you plan your birthday party according to the choice of your grandparents?
Yes 9 (56.25) 4 (11.76) 13 (26)
No 7 (43.75) 30 (88.23) 37 (74)
When you are busy in some work and your grandparents call you, what you do at that time?
(i) Listen them carefully 4 (25) 6 (17.64) 10 (20)
(ii) Don’t listen them 2 (12.5) 16 (47.05) 18 (36)
(iii) Shout on them 4 (25) 10 (29.41) 14 (28)
(iv) Ignore them 6 (37.5) 2 (5.88) 8 (16)
 Do your grandmother put restrictions on you during periods?
Yes N.A 28 (82.35)
No N.A. 6 (17.64)
Kind of work you are not allowed to do during these days?
(i) Not to run N.A. 20 (58.82)
(ii) Not to worship N.A. 28 (82.35)
(iii) Can’t eat sour food N.A. 18 (52.94)
(iv) Not allowed to do heavy work N.A. 13 (38.23)
(v) Not to do kitchen work N.A. 27 (79.41)
How do you react at that time?
(i) Argue with them N.A. 25 (73.52)
(ii) Ignore them N.A. 14 (41.17)
(iii) Get irritated N.A. 11 (32.35)
* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses
17
  Questions related to Grand daughters N.A. Not Applicable

It is evident from the table that 52% of the respondents (55% grand daughters and 43% grand

Figure 4.3.1: Perception of grandchildren regarding enjoyment of the company of

grandparents
sons) replied that they “do not like the company of their grandparents” whereas 48% of
them (56% grand sons and 44% grand daughters) replied that they “like the company of their
grandparents”. 44 percent of the respondents (44% grand daughters and 43% grand sons)
said that they spend “5-10 minutes” with grand parents ; 40% of them (44% grand daughters
and 31% grand sons) said that they “do not prefer to spend much time” with their grand
parents whereas 18% of them (23% grand daughters and 6% grand sons) said that spending
time with them depends on the “favourable mood” of their grand parents. 42 percent of the
respondents (53% grand daughters and 18% grand sons) stated the activities which they
performed while spending time with them is that they “help them in their household
chores”; 38% of them (75% grand sons and 20% grand daughters) said that they “ask them
to tell them old stories”, whereas 26% of the respondent (35% grand daughters and 6% grand
sons) said that they “read the religious books”. 54 percent of the respondents (55% grand
daughters and 50% grand sons) said that they “don’t share” their life experiences with them
whereas 46% of them (50% grand sons and 44% grand daughters) said that they do “share”
their life experiences with them.

18
 Regarding grand parent’s experiences which they share with their grand children,
42% of the respondents (55% grand daughters and 12% grand sons) replied that they (the
grand children) “get irritated” when their grand parents share their life experiences with
them ; 32% of the respondents (32% grand daughters and 31% grand sons) replied that they
“feel bored” whereas 26% of them (56% grand sons and 11% grand daughters) “feel good”
after listening their life experiences.
Regarding the problems grand children face in their families, 66% of the sample (67%
grand daughters and 62% grand sons) stated that they prefer to approach their “parents” for
solution to the problems being faced by them; 16% of them (31% grand sons and 8% grand
daughters) prefer to approach their “Grand parents” whereas 12% of the respondents (14%
grand daughters and 6% grand sons) prefer to approach their “sisters” regarding solving the
problems. 46 percent of the respondents (55% grand daughters and 25% grand sons) said that
the reasons for approaching their parents is that “Parents can solve their problems easily”
whereas 20% of them (37% grand sons and 11% grand daughters) stated that the parents can
“understand them better.”
68 percent of the respondents (75% grand sons and 64% grand daughters) said that
they “do not like grand parent’s presence in their rooms” whereas 32% of them (35% grand
daughters and 26% grand sons) do not hold this view. 74 percent of the respondents (88%
grand daughters and 43% grand sons) said that they “do not take choice of their grand
parents while planning their (grand children’s) birthday parties” whereas 26% of them
(56% grand sons and 11% grand daughters) said that they do “take their opinion” regarding
the same. 36% of the respondents (47% grand daughters and 12% grand sons) said that they
“do not listen” to their grandparents call when they are busy in some work; 28% of them
(29% grand daughters and 25% grand sons) said that they “shout” at their grandparents when
they call them, whereas 20% of them (25% grand sons and 17% grand daughters) said that
they “listen to them carefully” whenever they call them.
Regarding restrictions imposed on grand daughter’s by grand mothers during monthly
periods, 82 percent grand daughters replied that their grand mother’s imposed restrictions on
them. 82% of them stated that their grand mothers do not allow them to “worship God” ;
79% o the respondents said that they are not allowed to do the “work performed in the
kitchen” ; 59% of them said that “running” is not allowed during monthly periods whereas
52% of them said that they “argue with them” whenever their grand mothers imposed any
restrictions on them.
19
 TALBLE 4.3.1 (d) : Showing perception of grandchildren regarding measures for
‘good quality of life’ of grandparents
Variables Grand sons Grand daughters Total
(n=16) (n=34) (n=50)
f % f % f %
Do you feel that aged are looked after properly by the society?
Yes 12 (75) 29 (85.29) 41 (82)
No 4 (25) 5 (14.70) 9 (18)
In some families it is seen that aged are not respected, what do you think is the reasons behind this?
(i) Generation gap 7 (43.75) 5 (14.70) 12 (24)
(ii) Irritating Attitude 2 (12.5) 19 (55.88) 21 (42)
(iii) Changing life style 3 (18.75) 10 (29.41) 13 (26)
(iv) Don’t know 4 (25) ----- 4 (8)
What suggestions would you like to give for their proper care*?
(i) Respect them 5 (31.25) 13 (38.23) 18 (36)
(ii) Treat them as “Senior citizens” 4 (25) 5 (14.70) 9 (18)
(iii) Provide old age pension 5 (31.25) 11 (32.35) 16 (32)
(iv) Cooperate with younger
generation 2 (12.5) 8 (23.52) 10 (20)
* Multiples responses %ages in parentheses Figures in bold are majority responses

Results from the Table 4.3.1 (d) reveal that 82% of the respondents (85% grand
daughters and 75% grand sons said that they feel “aged are properly looked after by the
society” whereas 18% of them (25% grand sons and 14% grand daughters) oppose this view.
42 percent of the respondents (55% grand daughters and 12% grand sons) observe that the
aged, in some families, are not respected due to their “irritating attitude”; 26% of them (29%
grand daughters and 18% grand sons) observe that it is because of “changing life style”
whereas 24% of the respondents (43% grand sons and 14% grand daughters) stated the
reasons for their disrespect in some family occurs due to “generation gap”

20
 Figure 4.3.2: Perception of grandchildren regarding reasons for disrespect of aged
persons
The suggestions of grand children for the welfare of aged are that 36% of the
respondents (38% grand daughters and 31% grand sons) stated that they “should be
respected”; 32% of them (32% grand daughters and 31% grand sons) stated that
“government should provide timely old age pension” to them ; 20% of the respondents (23%
grand daughters and 12% grand sons) stated that they “should cooperate with younger
generation” whereas 18% of them (25% grand sons and 14% grand daughters) stated that
both family and society should “treat them as senior citizens.”

21
 SECTION-4.4

ROLE OF NON –GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE WELFARE OF

ELDERLY IN JAMMU DISTRICT

This section of the present study included the role of various non–governmental
organizations who are working for the welfare of elderly in Jammu District. In India, most of
the NGO’s have concentrated their work among the lower income group and disadvantaged
and unpriviledged sections of the society. It is only in the last few years when the
demographers provided alarming statistics on the growth of the elderly population that a need
was felt to work in this area as it was always assumed that the elderly were well taken care of
and were safe in the custody of the well integrated joint family system in India. Initial studies
show that the elderly are taken care of by the family but the reality and recent ethnographic
case studies also prove that the so called ‘joint family’ system in India is a myth and the
elderly though they live with their sons and his family are neglected and uncared for, by
them. This scenario led to the emergence of and mushrooming of various NGO’s working
towards the concerns of the elderly.
 HELP-AGE INDIA
Help-Age India is India’s leading voluntary organization
working with and for older people. Help-Age India is registered
under the Societies Registration Act of XXI of 1860.

22
MISSION OF HELP-AGE INDIA:
• To improve the quality of life of those older people who are disadvantaged.
VISION OF HELP-AGE INDIA:-
• A future where older people are treated with respect and care, are not ignored or
isolated, and are looked after by their families.
HELP-AGE INDIA ENCOURAGE:-
• Everyone to value older people so that they don’t need to feel lonely, insecure or
afraid.

23
WHAT HELP-AGE INDIA DO TO HELP THE ELDERLY: -
HELPLINE: Help-Age India make sure older people always have
someone to talk to on the telephone. Their helplines in Chennai
and Bangalore are advice lines providing information and help for
older people in distress. The helpline not only attend distress calls
from the elderly themselves, but also receive calls to address cases
of elderly found lying on the road side, or being abused, requiring
medical attention , police intervention, or require information in
general.
HEALTH AT THE DOOR STEP:- Covered those older, people
who are living in slums and rural areas, because quality health care
is both unaffordable and inaccessible in these areas. Their Mobile
Medicare Unit Project takes the doctor and free medication to the
elderly. Manned with a qualified doctor, a pharmacist and a social
worker, they dispense free medicines and health check-ups to the
elderly. The Mobile Medicare Units (MMU’s) also organize health
camps to raise awareness among the elderly and their carers about
various health related issues. These Mobile Medicare Units
(MMU’s) also act as vehicles of immediate relief during disasters,
providing treatment to elderly victims who are often left to fend
for themselves and are especially vulnerable during such a time.
OLD-AGE HOMES / DAY CARE CENTRES:- For those older
people who do not have family, or any one to support them, Help-
Age supports old age homes where they can live with dignity. Day
care centres are places where older people can meet and interact
with others like them.
SEEING IS BELIEVING:- Many older people go blind due to
cataract and therefore become dependent on someone. For many
such people, Help-Age organizes free cataract operations, restoring
their eyesight, and therefore their independence.

24
SPONSOR A GRANDPARENT PROGRAMME:-
The Sponsor- A-Grand parent programme offers a dignified life to
those elderly who have nothing and no one to depend on. Under
this, the basic need of an older person such as food, medical
supplies, clothing etc. gets covered.
INCOME GENERATION:- Many older people want to
work but have no means of doing so. Help-Age India help
them and set up their own small enterprises through which
they regain status in the family and community.
RELIEF AND REHABILITATION:- During disasters and
emergencies, older face many problems because of their lack
of physicla mobiltiy. They often get ignored when aid is
distrbuted. During such times, Help-Age focuses on the aged
and helps them put their lives together again.
HELP-AGE EXPLORE THE ISSUE OF “PROPERTY
ABUSE OF ELDERLY”:-
To understand this growing problem and to have a deeper
insight, Help-Age conducted a sample survey in the city of
daily and found the cases. Help-Age used “The Maintenance
Act for Seniors” as a tool to protect themselves against
harassment and abuse.

 HOME FOR THE AGED AND INFIRM

Home for the aged and infirm was established on 8th June, 1964. The Home registered
as a society on 20th February, 1965, has now emerged as a premier centre in the state for
service to the old and infirm persons.
Home for the aged and infirm has rendered useful services for the last forty seven
years to poor, helpless, destitute aged and infirm members of the society irrespective of their
caste, creed, religion, sex or region. While adhering to motto “Nar Seva is Narayan Seva”.
Besides providing all day to day necessities and amenities of life, the Management tries to
ensure individual attention, affection, sympathy and feeling of homeliness which has been
denied to them by their kiths and kins which is needed at this stage of life.

25
OBJECTIVES OF THE HOME:-
The main objectives of the Home are:-
1. The Home seeks to ameliorate the hardships of the aged or disabled persons who are
poor and destitute.
2. The Home provides food, clothing, shelter and other essential amenities to the inmates
within the means of home.
3. It provides preventive and curative medical services.
4. It carries on cultural activities and provide recreational activities and facilities such as
indoor games, watching T.V. etc.
5. It organize cultural lectures for the inmates.
6. To raise donation from the public and subscription from its members, to receive gifts
or other considerations.
7. To remunerate any person, body or cooperate them for services rendered to the
society.
8. To execute such agreements, conveyances, leases, mortgages and any other
documents as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of the society.
NUMBER OF INMATES IN THE HOME:-
On the average there has been 60 inmates in the Home including 30 males and 30
females who are regularly been looked after and be provided all amenities.
CRITERIA OF SELECTION:-
The Home admits persons (a) whose age is 60 years or above 60 years and who have
no means of livelihood and no person to support or to take care of them, and (b) who are
below the age of 60 years suffer from infirmity or disability as incapacitates them form
earning their livelihood and have no person to support and to take care of them.
PROVISION OF FUNDS:-
Donation in cash and kind are gratefully accepted by the Home and this includes cash,
ration, fruits, vegetables, clothes, sweets etc. for the maintenance and construction of Home.
Other sources of the sustenance of the Home are:
a) J&K Government, Social welfare Department.
b) Central Social Welfare Advisory Board (J&K State).
c) Municipality.

26
SERVICES AVAILABLE:-
a) Medical Check-ups :-
Doctor / Medical Assistant visits home daily for the benefit of the inmates regarding
their regular check-ups and treatment. Two medical attendants have been provided by Central
Social Welfare Advisory Board of J&K State. Besides that Swami Vivekanand Charitable
Hospital, Bakshi Nagar Hospital Jammu, provides the inmates adequate medical advice,
whenever required.
b) Recreational and Cultural Activities:-
A recreation centre for senior citizens has also been set up in Home which provides
free reading material, recreational and entertainment facilities where they can interact among,
themselves and with inmates of the Home as well. For the recreation of the inmates playing
of Bhagti Sangeet tapes and recitation from Bhagwat Geeta are regular features after
breakfast in the morning and after tea in the evening.
c) Miscellaneous Services:-
The Home provides clothes, chappels, Shoes as and when required by the residents.
They also provide bedding which includes one mattress, one blanket, one bed sheet. Separate
cup-boards has been provided to the residents to keep their belongings in their own rooms.
Necessary facilities such as water, electricity etc. are available in the Home.
Death of the Inmate:-
At the time of death of an inmate, the dead is disposed off by SEWA SMITI
according to the religious customs after obtaining a certificate from the competent Medical
Officer that death was natural. The dead body is, however, delivered to the next kin of
deceased, if available.
 MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY
Missionaries of charity was started by Mother Teresa in the year 1982. Mother Teresa
said, “Missionaries of charity is not an institution. It is love in action, not an institution”.
Missionaries of charity was based on love and service empowered by sincere prayer.
OBJECTIVES OF MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY:-
1. Provide life of dignity and also trained leprosy victims for vocational work.
2. Promotion of total literacy.

27
3. Formation, strengthening, networking of women, men, youth and children for social
cause.
4. Promotion of value based education for school children.
5. Abolition of gender biasness and other antisocial elements in society.
6. Promotion of community based rehabilitation of differently challenged persons.
BENEFICIARIES:-
Missionaries of charity work among the-
• Poorest of the poor
• Victims of leprosy
• Hungry families
• Dying destitute lying on roads
• Orphaned children
• Differently challenged people.
SERVICES:-
• Provide residential care
• Provide basic amenities like food, clothing, toilet and bath, and health services.
• Recreational facility like T.V. and Radio
 SEWA SAMITI AKHNOOR
Sewa Samiti Akhnoor is a registered social organization with humanitarian objective
of providing welfare services to the aged, needy and sick without reference to caste or creed.
At present there are six inmates who are living in the Ashram.
OBJECTIVES:-
1. The Samiti aims to ameliorate the hardships of the aged destitute and poor persons
and also intends to run as Ashram – A Live in arrangement on short term and long
term basis.
2. The Samiti shall provide food, shelter, clothing and other essential amenities to the
inmates of Ashram within the means of the Samiti.
3. The Samiti shall provide preventives and curative medical service to the inmates of
the Ashram.
4. The Samiti shall organize cultural / educational lectures for the inmates.
5. The Samiti shall run a day care centre for the non-residential like those detailed above
to enable them to participate in above mentioned activities.

28
6. The Samiti aims to encourage the inhabitants of Ashram to participate in work and
worship in the Ashram and the town.
SERVICES:-
• Provide basic amenities like food, shelter and clothing.
• Provide medical check-ups, if necessary.
BEE-ENN CHARITABLE TRUST (AASHRAYE)
BEE-ENN Charitable Trust opened “Aashryae”, residential facility for senior
citizens, established in the year 2005. Senior citizens take shelter in ‘Aashraye’ on payment
basis which is managed by the BEE-ENN Charitable Trust.

SERVICES AVAILABLE ON CHARGEABLE BASIS:

• 24- hour medical facilities available
• Security
• Cultural and social programmes
• Personal attendant services
• Freedom from home maintenance hassles
• Clean and hygienic living
• Personalized mess facility
• Indoor and outdoor (entertainment) games and recreation
• Companionship of other senior citizens
• Connected by computer and internet
• 24-hour ambulance
• Balanced and medically specific diet
• Telephone facility
• Full time / part time personal attendant facility
• Market / city outings / shopping on cost
• Additional social and cultural outings on actual cost basis
• Personal Laundry
• Banking assistance
• Postal assistance

29
 INTERVENTION
NEED FOR THE INTERVENTION:
The intervention programme was planned on the basis of the indentified needs of
elderly and their children and grandchildren who are living under same roof. Results from the
baseline data reveals that aged parents look after their needs themselves even though their
children live with them. From their children’s point of view, it was observed that in some
families children don’t spend time with them because of their busy schedules, both at their
work places and at home. Their growing children need more time from than their parents and
they are unable to spend time with them or listen to their experiences. Results further reveal
that even the grandchildren don’t have enough time to sit with them because of the busy
schedule of their studies.
ORGANIZATION OF PROGRAMME:-
An effort was made to organize the intervention programme in urban areas of Jammu
city by using Individual Approach and Group Approach.
INDIVIDUAL APPROACH:-
An individual approach was selected for the elderly living with their families, from
urban settings, keeping in mind the objectives and results of the study. Door-to-door strategy
was applied in order to convey the message of conducting an intervention programme for
elderly and for their family members and also motivate them to come and share their
experiences with the community. Aged were not willing to come due to their health problems
or busy schedule at home. Some of the aged males and females were not willing to disclose
the problems they are facing in their own families even after giving the assurance of
confidentiality. They didn’t want to participate and face any embarrassing situation in front of
others. So the messages as covered in policy implications were shared with daughter’s-in-
law and granddaughters.
GROUP APPROACH:-
In order to conduct the intervention programme, much of the efforts for rapport
establishing were not required, as daughter’s-in-law and granddaughters’ were well
acquainted with the investigator.
Keeping in mind the needs and adjustment problems of the family members, the
“Group Approach” used was aimed at enabling the daughter’s-in-law and granddaughters to
communicate and discuss their problems with ease. During the process of intervention the
respondents were encouraged to discuss the needs and adjustment problems in families with
30
elderly parents. The strategies used for communication and expression with respondents were
discussions and quoting examples from life experiences. Experiences sharing technique
helped the daughter’s-in-law and granddaughters’ to overcome their hesitations and discuss
their issues of non adjustment with elderly parents in their families.
In making harmonious relationship with elderly parents and grandparents, following
are the few guidelines, which were given to the daughters’-in-law and granddaughters. The
investigator realizes them the roles of adult children and grandchildren in regard to their
elderly parents / grandparents-.
ROLE OF ADULT CHILDREN IN REGARD TO THEIR ELDERLY PARENTS:-
 SET FAMILY MEETINGS:-
Adult children need to stay in touch with their aged parents even if their parents/in-
law have not earned that priviledge. Family meetings work better when everyone is
involved to keep communication going and reduce conflicts or misunderstandings.
 BE NICE AND KIND TO EACH OTHER:-
Those children who do not have fond feelings for their parents should do the least
amount of care, yet enough to feel that they have been responsible children and will
be guilt free once their parents/in-law pass on. Justifying shunning the elders for
whatever reasons only damages the adult children’s self-regard. Before criticize or
correct a family member, think about all the things you love and appreciate about the
person.
 COMMUNICATE HOUSEHOLD ISSUES:-
Family members should communicate issues with each other on a regular basis and
address the issues before they become problems. If the elders are negative, critical,
unpleasant and without understand children’s need, strong boundaries need to be set.
They are to be advised that this attitude will shorten the visit or the frequency of
contacts. If followed through, this method often renders great results.
 RESPECT EACH OTHER’S PRIVACY:-
Adult children should not interfare as long as the elderly function well in the family.
Recognize the importance of private time and family time for every family member.
As adult children need time with their peers and time for themselves, so their parents
and grandparents too need interactions with their children, grandchildren, and friends.
 BE GOOD ROLE MODELS:-

31
 Children should teach their offspring to respect older family members. Help children
understand that grandparents and great grandparents are special people with
experiences that children can learn from. Spend some quality time with elderly
parents by taking a walk together, family tea time and having a family moving as
grandchildren are watching how their parents interact with their grandparents.
 ESTABLISH ROUTINES, FAMILY RITUALS AND TRADITIONS:-
Adult children should observe customs and traditions of the family as it brings
happiness in families. Schedule one’s time accordingly without neglecting the rituals
of the family. All these bring family members together and build a bridge between the
generations.
 ESTABLISH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:-
Adult children should provide monetary help to their elderly parents in meeting their
daily need as they are dependent on their children. Children should make it a sense of
commitment that every month, they should provide some financial help from their
salary. Keep one thing in mind, “You are, because they have been”. Honour your
father-in-law and mother-in-law concludes’ with so that the days will be lengthened.
 BE FLEXIBLE:-
Children not only have to cater to their physical needs but also to their emotional
needs. This requires a lot of patience, immense understanding and the ability to keep
cool and level headed at all times as elderly parents need children’s attention and
yearn for time together. It helps fill the void of isolation and validates the seniors’
significance and worth.
The investigator after providing some suggestions to daughter’s-in-law take a
pledge that children should be optimistic while care of their elderly parents and give a
warm feeling to them so that they feel comfortable without taking any kind of stress
especially in this tender age of their life.
ROLE OF GRANDCHILDREN IN REGARD TO THEIR GRANDPARENTS:-
The investigator encouraged the granddaughters to create deep, loving relationships
with their grandparents by sharing the things they love with them, and by learning about what
excite them. The following suggestions were emphasized-
 CONSIDER GRANDPARENTS AS PERSONS OF REFERENCE:-
Grand parents play a major role in the lives of their grandchildren. Grandparent often
have time to spend with their grandchildren that their busy parents do not. It is the
32
 moral duty of the grandchildren to spend quality time with their grandparents.
Grandparents could empower their grandchildren to enjoy life by sharing life through
their eyes.

 ESTABLISH CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GRANDPARENTS:-

Involve grandparents in daily activities and events as much as practical and of
interest. Grandparents offer very special relationships with their grandchildren and a
close relationship can forge very special bond that spans the age differences and
times. Create an opportunity for story-telling, allowing grandparents to relate stories
of their past, enlightening grandchildren about “their golden years”.
 LISTEN EXPERIENCES OF GRANDPARENTS:-
Give grandparents an opportunity to show their love and caring for their
grandchildren. Grandchildren should give a chance to their grandparents to share
some of their life experiences with grandchildren. Older people want to make a
difference in the lives of those that follow. Honor older adults and give them
validation in their role of grandparent or (“grandfriend or mentor”).
 SHARE EXPERIENCES WITH GRANDPARENTS:-
Grandchildren should share their experiences with them as they can teach valuable
suggestions for their future what they wouldn’t learn anywhere else. Those who have
strong relationships with grandparents tend to do better in school, have a stronger
sense of family and feel more comfortable with older people than those who do not.
 MOTIVATE GRANDPARENTS WHEN SHARING EXPERIENCES:-
Grandchildren should motivate grandparents at that time when grandchildren
feel bored after listening their sermons. Motivate them by saying, please ‘wind up the
story quickly, as they probably are wasting their time’.
To conclude the intervention programme, some strategies for elderly parents,
were emphasized in making congenial relationship with each other. These include-
 Never humiliate / criticize parents infront of their children. Don not use children as
means of fighting with parents. Family conflicts and raising children should be
separate.
 What was rational yesterday may not be valid today and will never be applicable
tomorrow.

33
  Try to compensate for working parents when they are away. Try to cushion the stress
and demands of modern day parenting.
 Give comfortable lap not only to grandchildren but also to the parents, when needed.
After all, elderly are the pillars of the family. Pillars are for supporting, not for
creating obstacles.
 Family rituals and gatherings offer the best platform for discussing and negotiating
issues, which need delicate handling. Try to inculcate family norms and values among
growing grandchildren and give proper explanations to them.
 Listen to both sides in case of disputes and find a mutually agreeable solution, thus
acting as a buffer.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Overall the results of the intervention programme showed improvement in their
perception towards elderly.

Outcome of
Intervention
Programme

Positive Try to build

Response relationship

Expressed feeling of satisfaction

Develop a sense Partially manage

of commitment to provide
monetary help

Figure 5.1 : Showing Benefits of Intervention

The middle-age daughter’s-in-law, seemed to be, in many cases, interested in

intergenerational exchange of information and opinion than the younger generation. Further,
it was also found that there were only marginal changes in the attitude of ‘young daughter’s-
in-law’ (21-25 years), towards aspects of ‘spending time’ with them. It is suggested that some
‘group sessions’ should be conducted so that they could make their career without taking any
burden of caring their elderly parents-in-law and even manage some time for them. Other
suggestions are given as policy implications of the study.
34
 DISCUSSION
The discussion is presented as answer to the research questions that were posed in the
beginning of the present study are:-
1. FAMILIAL PATTERNS OF THE ELDERLY LIVING IN JAMMU(URBAN):
Varying familial patterns have emerged in Jammu due to modernization and migration
of the elderly or their families from their native places, which has disintegrated the traditional
joint family system which was prevalent here when the mainstay of most of the people was
either agriculture, small business or armed forces. Their traditional occupations required that
the family stayed together for personal, social, economic and security purposes. With the
advancement of education and lack of opportunities in their native places the children have
moved out. Most of the children from urban areas of Jammu are studying or are
professionally engaged outside the state. This has lead to a condition when most of the elders
have had to live either alone or in some other forms of family. In the present study, it was
seen that ten varying familial patterns are there in which elderly are living in Jammu. ‘Two’
of the patterns are based on Couples i.e. Couples living alone and Couples living with
children; in ‘two’ patterns either of the single surviving spouse are living alone i.e. Widows
and Widowers are living alone ; ‘four’ patterns are based on the surviving spouse in different
settings i.e. Widowers are living with married children ; Widows are living with married
daughters ; Widows are living with married sons, and Widowers are living with married
daughters. The other ‘two’ family patterns are of aged males who are living alone while their
spouses are living with their married children staying outside Jammu and few Widowers who
are living with friends. The living arrangements of elderly are somehow consistent with the
analysis of National Sample Survey Data (2006) that around 5 percent of the elderly in
India were living alone and 12 percent were living with their spouses; 44.7 percent were
living with spouse and others and around 32 percent of the elderly were living with children.
A higher number of females were living alone in both rural and urban areas compared to their
male counterparts. The analysis shows that around 19 percent of the young old were either
living alone or with spouse only. Among the old- old (70 years and above), 80 percent were
Widows compared to 27 percent Widowers (National Sample Survey Data, 2006).
2. PROFILE OF AGED LIVING IN VARYING FAMILIAL PATTERNS:
Older adults are sensitive to the terms used by others to describe their age group. The terms
‘old’ and ‘elderly’ may be used more often to refer to individuals in the old-old and oldest-
old groups. According to Hindu theory of development the ‘ageing’ begins with
35
‘Vanaprastha’ stage (detachment) when the older child, mostly son, gets married and takes
over the responsibility of home and hearth. The elders were now free to renunciate the world
and train towards attainment of ‘moksha’ (renunciation). Neugarten (1977) observes,“……
aging is shaped by the individuals past, his childhood, adolescence and adulthood. It brings
new situations, new problems and calls for new adaptations.” He further suggested that
‘elderly’ is best thought of in terms of two grouping: ‘young old’ (55-75 years) and ‘old-old’
(above 75 years). The present study reveals that most of the elderly in the sample were in the
age group of ‘young old’ (65-69 years), with low to medium level of education (6th to 12th
standard), mostly falling in the ‘middle class’ on Socio-Economic Status Scale.
They define ‘ageing’ by ‘chronology’, ‘physical strength’ and ‘empty nest’ feeling.
Majority of their children and grandchildren also define ageing by ‘chronology’, ‘physical
strength’ and ‘empty nest feeling’. Feeling of ‘empty nest’ was known only to the west where
family structure often changed with the growing up of children. Here, in India, it was an
accepted developmental task that when children take over the responsibilities of
‘householder’ the ‘elders’ would step back and indulge more in religious activities. The joint
family system was a buffer to any such feeling of ‘emptiness’ or ‘worthlessness’ because
elders were revered by the society. With the breakdown of joint family system the elders have
had to develop new patterns of living and care.
The elderly, in the present study, feel that they themselves had taken good care of
their parents but their own children donot do so due to lack of ‘time’, ‘concern’ and
‘superficiality’. Paul’s (2000) observations, from a study in Jammu District, commensurate
with the findings of the present research that after attaining the age of 55 years, there is a
decrease in close relationship with children, the reason for this being authoritative attitude
and also because the children are away from the family due to the jobs, busy in their own
families and have very less time for their aged parents (Paul, 2000). In the present study,
‘elders’ feel that their health has deteriorated with the advancement of age especially the
widows, who are living alone (WLA). They reported more health problems such as general
weakness, pain in their joints and weak eyesight. They cope up with these bodily changes
believing that ‘it is a universal phenomenon’ while some of them believe that these changes
are ‘due to our bad deeds’ (Karma). Mehrotra and Batish (2009) and Ghai, (1997) too
reached similar conclusions after their research on elderly.
It was interesting to note that those elderly who are living with spouses or alone were
more satisfied with life than those who were living with their children, because the former
36
group has no expectations from their children whereas for the latter group it is a daily story of
embarrassment and dissatisfaction. During special circumstances, such as illness, the
expectations from family increase but it was seen that the elders usually felt disappointed
because either their children dodn’t pay attention or they don’t have time for their parents’
referrals. The couples looked after each other during difficult times, a result supported by
Kotwal and Prabhakar (2009).
Retirement is another marker for ageing in the modern society. Retirement causes
extreme stress in males because a significant part of their identity lies with their job. The loss
of the job due to retirement results in a loss of self-esteem and self-worth (Havighurst,
1982). The retirees, in the present study, don’t feel much change after retirement in their
personal life. It is only in the interaction with their offsprings that they feel the change has
occurred. They feel lonely and isolated in their own homes as they perceive that their children
hold an attitude that they (the elders) ‘don’t know anything’. Paswan et al (2005) too in their
study reveal that senior citizens suffer from depression, lose social status and are
economically poor after retirement.
The results further reveal that the change in the status of elderly after retirement leads
to their segregation from other family members. Those of whom are still providing support to
their families feel a sense of ‘generativity’ but others face, what ‘Erickson’ calls,
‘Stagnation’. Inspite of all this, they do not want to forego the ownership and belongingness
of the family residence’ which they have either built or nurtured with love and affection, a
finding supported by Biswas (1994). They want to stay in their houses only, and do not
welcome alternate arrangements.
Regarding adjustment level of elderly, results reveal that majority of the respondents
i.e. Couples living with children (CLWC) and those who are living alone (CLA) and
Widowers living with married children (WDLMC), show ‘high’ level of adjustment whereas
Widows who are living alone (WLA), and Couples living with children (CLWC) and those
who are living alone (CLA), show ‘moderate’ level of adjustment on ‘Shamshad-Jasbir Old
Age Adjustment Inventory’. Majority of the respondents show ‘average’ level of life
satisfaction on ‘life satisfaction scale’.
Significant differences are observed between elderly living with support system and
elderly who are living alone in their mean level of educational but not in their age or SES. In
the areas of health and marital adjustment, significant differences are observed in the mean
score of both these groups favouring elderly living alone. Huang and Lin’s (2002) findings
37
commensurate with the present study that elderly who are living alone are satisfied with their
lives and economic status. They tend to stay physically fitter as they have more time to work
out and pamper themselves as they see themselves as being self-reliant. (Huang and Lin,
2002).
Significant positive correlation is observed between life satisfaction, adjustment
(SJOAI) and education level of the aged whereas negative significant correlation is observed
between SES and life satisfaction across both types of living arrangements of elderly. Age
and SES show negative significant correlation among elderly living without support. Huang
and Lin (2002) found that higher level of education and more income would increase marital
happiness and life satisfaction, but in the present study low to medium levels of education
were observed among the sample and most of them belong to middle class, having financial
problems.
Significant gender differences in the dimensions of adjustment (SJOAI), and life
satisfaction of elderly living with support system and those living without support were
observed. Males score higher than females in all the dimensions of adjustment and life
satisfaction. In context of available support system, elderly males who are living with support
system and males living without support show significant difference in the area of marital
adjustment. No significant difference is observed among elderly females living with or
without support.
Significant across gender differences are also observed among those elderly living
without support, in all the dimensions of adjustment, expect home and social adjustment. Life
satisfaction scores of males living without support were significantly higher than females
living with support system. Significant differences are observed in the area of emotional
adjustment of elderly females living with support system than elderly males living without
support. The findings of Chadha (1991) reveal that aged living with their family score much
higher on life satisfaction than those living in institutions but Bakshi et al (2007) reported
that aged females living with families feel more emotionally unstable, whereas in the present
study females living in families showed more emotional stability.
To conclude it can be said that there exists a difference in the psycho-social profile
and life satisfaction of elderly living within varying familial patterns.
3. PERCEPTIONS OF THE FAMILY TOWARDS AGED, AGEING PROCESS AND
THE ADJUSTMENTS REQUIRED BOTH BY FAMILY AND AGED:

38
 In the present study it was seen that the children and the grandchildren do not have
time to spend with the elderly. Even during illness the elderly couple look after each other or
are looked after some hired ‘help’ wherever possible. The elderly believe that they are
considered as a ‘burden’ by their family, especially the sons whereas the younger generation
feels that they have so many responsibilities to shoulder, those of their parents and children,
hence they often lack time and patience to care for their elder parents. Similar results of
Bawdekar (2011) support the present findings. The grand children on the other hand say that
they are so busy with their school, studies and tuitions that they are unable to spend time with
elderly. It was also observed that aged parents live with children either because of their
needs or the needs of the children or a combination of both. Those respondents who receive
financial help from kin, don’t have good relations with their married sons/daughters and in
many cases, they depend upon others, like their “friends” as they feel that when family
members fail to provide emotional and physical support or are unavailable, friends may
function quite differently, and friends do play an important role in the well-being of the
elderly. Shenk (2001) also found that older parents don’t enjoy too much help from their
children and it foster a sense of helplessness among them.
Intergenerational relationship and the role of women in the family are changing which
has an affect on the care of elderly in the family. With the improvement in education and
increase in economic demands of the family, women have stepped out of the bounds of the
home and traditional roles and migration of their sons to others cities has led to a change in
the role expectations from elderly who would have otherwise, retired in this age. In the
present study, it is interesting to know that their married daughters have now taken up the
responsibility to look after their elderly parents. In Hindu mythology, daughters are
considered as ‘Prayadhan’ and after marriage they have to fulfill the duties of their in-laws
home and not their parental home. Results reveal that though elderly are not happy that their
married daughters are taking care of them because they believe that it is a matter of disgrace
and misfortunate for them, but they have no other alternative but to live with married
daughters. Song and Jiangsu (2010) too conclude similar findings from their study.
Changing value system on account of urbanization and modernization is disturbing
the traditional harmonious relationship between family and elderly parents. Old people
dislike any changes or interference with established ways of doing things as they respect
tradition whereas the younger generation is more adaptive. In the present study majority of
the respondents feel that their ‘views do not match’ with their children’s as they do not
39
observe ‘customs and traditions’ of the family; they don’t ‘wake up early’ and have
‘irregular eating pattern’. The younger generation feels that the older generation lacks
concern for their needs. Similar findings made by Bhalgotra (1997) and Clarke et al (1999).
Hence a growing gap was observed among elderly parents and their children.
Grandchildren perceive that grandparents and grandchildren have different sets of
beliefs and attitudes with respect to their lives and society. They feel that non-interfering
grandparents get more respect and affection from the younger generation than the
conservative ones. Changing values of younger generation has not been perceived favourably
by the elderly in families. This is mainly due to selfish attitude of the younger generation,
their neglecting attitude towards the elderly, lack of responsibility and lack of dedication
towards God as perceived by the elderly. They also expressed that the changing values of
younger generation is not good and healthy for the society and this should be modified. They
also opined that parents and society are mainly responsible for this type of behaviour of
younger generation. Younger generation perceive that the older generation is impatient, harsh
and do not understand their problems, whereas the older generation feels the same for them.
Hence as Strom and Strom (1993) suggest that grandparents deserve access to curriculum
that can help them to adjust to their changing roles and show them how to build satisfying
family relationship with each other. This will counter the gap that has occurred among all the
family members.
4. ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS FACED BY AGED AND THEIR FAMILIES:
The issues of adjustment required by the family and aged have been identified in the
areas of personal, financial, emotional and security. The family need time, money and energy
for care of their elderly parents and they find the aged ‘demanding’ and less respecting
towards them. The need for better understanding and time management of the families of the
aged has been identified. It was found, after listening to both, that the adjustment problems
are actually due to the communication gap which has occurred over time. The policy
implications suggest measures to overcome these.
5. STATUS OF ELDERLY CARE IN JAMMU:
The process of demographic transition, industrialization and development affect the
status of the elderly. The status of elderly in Jammu is worsening due to lack of available
support system for the aged and for younger generation. In the current scenario, the elderly
can only participate as ‘consumers’ rather than ‘receivers’. This is compounded by the fact
that newer family types have emerged due to needs of their children who are working outside
40
Jammu. Living alone poses security threat for the aged. Those who do not want to live alone
have evolved new patterns such as living with married daughters and friends. Those who
have no option but to live alone, for them the security becomes a key issue, but in Jammu
neither the government nor any NGO is looking after care of elderly living alone.
Those who are living in families too are receiving only ‘superficial’ care. The
traditional norms are being followed by ‘sons’ but not whole heartedly as they too have their
compulsions of resource constraints – time, money and energy.
Hence in the coming years more attentions need to be paid to those elderly who are
living alone and those of them who are living in their families.
6. ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE AREA OF
GERIATRIC CARE IN JAMMU DISTRICT AND AREAS THEY ARE COVERED
Very few non-governmental organizations are actively working for the welfare of
elderly in Jammu District, with most non-governmental organizations aiming towards
providing food, clothing and shelter. Though Help-Age India is actively working for,
providing services like pensions and social security, geriatric and home care, barrier-free
residential environment, etc. As seen from the results that aged are living in varying familial
patterns, which are primarily associated with ‘worthlessness’ and ‘helplessness’. In this
context, the role of non-governmental organizations in the area of geriatric care is somewhat
negligible as they are not creating any infrastructure facilities who rehabilitate older person’s
rehabilitation and adjustment process in the changed scenario.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS:
On the basis of the discussion above, the following comments about the varying
familial patterns of the elderly can be made.
Among ten varying familial patterns, those elderly who are living with spouses are
more satisfied with life than those who are living with their children because the former
group has no expectations from their children whereas for the latter group, it was seen that
the elders usually felt disappointed because their children and grandchildren don’t pay
attention or they don’t have time for their parents’ referrals.
Elderly who are living with married daughters, friends or living without support are
worst placed as they feel a strong sense of loss of status and the security of their homes.

41
 POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Based on the findings, policy implications are derived-
AT INDIVIDUAL LEVEL;
FOR ELDERLY:

Be more receptive of new generation’s ideas.

Practice meditation, yoga and other exercises that help slower the process of ageing
and provide more emotional stability.

Join some social or religious group which holds regular meetings or make one your
self.

They should try to develop those hobbies or interests, like music, painting or
gardening which they were unable to pursue when younger and busy in household.

Contribute more if the daughter’s-in-law is employed as this would make them more
satisfied and worthwhile.
FOR FAMILY:
Increase family strengthening activities like;

‘Kirtans’ or any religious activity in which there is an intergenerational exchange.

‘Picnics’ or any entertainment activities.

‘Family Open Sessions’ in which all members get a chance to express their views
while others are receptive of these, without condemning anyone.

Family should involve the elderly in decision making and give their views a due
consideration.

Develop an atmosphere of acceptance and respect.

The children and grand children of elderly should be patient and understand that they
need to slow down to explain viewpoints to their ‘elders’ as their cognitive processes
have slowed down.

Make elderly feel important by involving them in your own activities like while using
‘internet’ or ‘social networking sites’ on it elderly can be involved. The grand
children, especially, can show things of interest to them. Both will enjoy the session
even if it is only half an hour per day.

Story telling and experience sharing sessions should be encouraged.

42
 AT SOCIETAL LEVEL
 NEIGHBOURHOOD TIES (NEBT):-
It is suggested that as an adjunct to the family care, steps should also be taken by the
Panchayats and Municipalities to organize ward level ‘Neighbourhood Ties’ (NEBT)
including all people irrespective of caste or religion. Youngsters, middle-aged and aged will
be the members of NEBT. Each member could be a ‘helper’ as well as ‘the helped’.
 GERONTOLOGICAL COUNSELLING TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR
ELDERLY CAREGIVERS:-
Training programmes in Gerontological Counselling should be initiated to prepare
personnel to care for the aged. The training could be given at geriatric counselling centers
attached to hospitals or day care centers. Counselling should be extended not only to the aged
members but also to the caregivers of the elderly. Peer counselling training programme is
also to be made available in these centers.
 RECREATION CENTERS:-
Recreation should be opened at every corner so that elderly people could take the
benefits and release their pent-up feelings. Recreational activities should be organized
according to their physical capacity. The activities should include arts and crafts, cultural
activities, exercise progammes, and even day trips to other places.
 RELIGIOUS GROUPS/CONGREGATIONS:
Society should organize religious congregations and recognized it as an influential
force that can be positively used to enhance well being of the elderly.
 RESPECT FOR THE AGED DAY:
Society should celebrate “Respect for the Aged Day” with the help of mass media to
conscientise the public about the needs of the aged.
AT GOVERNMENTAL LEVEL:

 GERIATRIC CARE UNITS:-

A Geriatric Mobile Medicare Unit (GMMU) in every community or group with a
team consisting of doctors, nurse and social worker should go to each community on assigned
days and team members should visit those who cannot come to the unit.
 OLD-AGE HEALTH SECURITY:-
Geriatric facilities should be established in all government hospitals. The
Government should ensure minimum economic support for every family maintaining their
elderly parents.
43
  SECURITY ISSUES OF AGED LIVING WITHOUT SUPPORT:-
One of the most important step that the government can take is regarding the
economic security of the aged who are living without support. Plans should be worked out in
such a manner that all the non-pensioners can receive old-age pension with an amount of Rs.
1000/- per month. At state level, there is a need to start financial support programmes for
these elderly.
 AGED CARE HOMES:-
Government should ensure not only that there are enough programmes for their care
and protection. There should be some self-sufficing units for elderly that enable them to
maintain dignity and honor.
 PRIORITY AREA FOR CARE:-
The present study brought about a broader understanding of the impact of living
arrangements on the adjustment of the elderly. The findings suggest that the widowed elderly,
as a special group must get priority in the welfare schemes and policies for the elderly.
Intervention programmes must be aimed at this particular group to manage their widowhood
experience creatively.
AT NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION LEVEL (NGO’s):
 AWARENESS PROGRAMME:-
NGO’s should plan awareness programmes for the elderly in regard to their
rights, social audit of existing legislation and its implementation, with a view to
enhance and sustain them with a positive self-image.
 ELDER CARE CENTERS:-
Multi service community Elder Care Centers which could provide various
services required by the elderly and the families taking care of them. These centers
could be established by Government or by NGO’s.

44
 SUMMARY
The present study was conducted to know the various familial patterns in which aged
are living in Jammu city ; to study the psycho-social profile of the aged in context of these
varying familial patterns ; to assess life satisfaction in relation to the available familial
support systems ; to assess the perceptions of the family towards aged, ageing process and the
adjustments required both by family and aged and to understand the needs of families caring
for the aged ; to know the role of NGO’s in the area of geriatric care in Jammu District and to
conduct an intervention based on identified needs. The sample for the present study
comprised of elderly males and females (in the age group of 60 years and above), their
children, grand children and NGO’s working in the area of geriatric care, from urban areas of
Jammu city. Multistage sampling procedure was used for selecting the sample. The tools used
for data collection were – Observation, regarding the living patterns and the familial inter –
personal relationship in context of aged; Interview Schedule for aged and their family
(Children and Grandchildren) ; Socio–Economic Status Scale ; Shamshad–Jasbir Old Age
Adjustment Inventory (SJOAI) ; Life Satisfaction Scale and Interview guide for NGO’s. The
data was subjected to, both, content and statistical analysis. Interview schedules and
observations were analyzed for their content. Statistical analysis was also done, using mean,
standard deviation, percentages, t-test and coefficient of correlation, wherever appropriate.
Amongst the total sample (n=300), 150 elderly were living with support and 150
elderly were living alone. Ten varying familial patterns were identified in which elderly are
living in Jammu. Among these 10 varying familial patterns ‘two’ of the patterns are based on
Couples i.e. Couples living alone and Couples living with children; in ‘two’ patterns either of
the single surviving spouse are living alone; ‘four’ patterns are based on the surviving spouse
in different settings i.e. Widowers living with married sons or married daughters; Widows
living with married sons or married daughters. The other ‘two’ family patterns are based on
aged males who are living alone while their spouses are living with their married children
staying outside Jammu and a few Widowers who are living with friends.
The results reveal that most of the elderly were in the age group of ‘young old’ (65-69
years), with low to medium level of education (6th–12th standard), and mostly falling in
‘middle class’ on SES scale. The elderly perceive age by chronology, physical strength and
‘empty nest’ feeling. They feel that they themselves had taken good care of their parents but
their own children are unable to do so due to lack of ‘time’, ‘concern’ and ‘superficiality’.

45
Majority of the respondents ‘feel changes’ in their health. The changes which they perceive
in their body are ‘general weakness’, ‘pain in their joints’ and ‘weakened eyesight’.
Retirement is another marker for ageing in the modern society. The retirees, in the
present study, don’t feel much change after retirement in their personal life. It is only in the
interaction with their offspring that they feel a change has occurred. They perceive that after
retirement, a person is not as much respected as before. They want their children and
grandchildren to ‘respect’ them; ‘spend time’ with them and treat them as ‘experienced
persons’. Majority of the respondents shows ‘high’ as well as ‘moderate’ level of adjustment
on ‘Shamshad-Jasbir Old Age Adjustment Inventory’ (SJOAI). The elderly were partially
satisfied with their lives. Majority of the respondents would not live their life again, if God
gives them a chance, as they feel that they don’t have the patience to face the crisis once
again. In-depth interviews and discussion with elderly show that many aged parents do not
expect any ‘care’ from their married sons. They do not receive financial support from their
married sons and many of them have no source of pension. Most of the elderly show
satisfaction with the available familial support while many of them are dissatisfied with it,
especially the lack of ‘concern’ shown by the married sons who, they believe, perceive them
as burden.
Among elderly living with support system and those living without support, education
has a positive correlation with areas of adjustment (SJOAI) and life satisfaction. There exists
a significant difference in the areas of health and marital adjustment of elderly living with
support system and those living without support. Gender differences are observed in the
dimensions of adjustment (SJOAI), and life satisfaction of elderly living with support system
and those living without support. Males score higher than females in all the dimensions of
adjustment and life satisfaction. In context of available support system, elderly males who are
living with support system and males living without support show significant difference in
the area of marital adjustment. Significant across gender differences are observed in the areas
of home and social adjustment among those who are living without support. Life satisfaction
scores of elderly males living without support were significantly higher scores than females
living with support system.
Regarding familial relationships with aged parents, results reveal that there are
disagreements among the elderly and their children and grand children because elderly
believe that they are considered as a ‘burden’ by their family members, especially the sons

46
whereas the younger generation feel that they often have lack time and patience to care for
their elderly parents.
Very few non–governmental organizations are actively working for the welfare of
elderly in Jammu District, though Help-Age India is actively working for, and providing
them services. As seen from the results that aged are living in varying familial patterns,
which are primarily associated with a feeling of ‘worthlessness ‘and ‘helplessness’. Non-
governmental organization’s role in this area was found to be ineffective.
Based on the findings, an intervention was planned for daughters’-in-law and grand
daughters’ using “Group Approach” for improving inter-familial relationships with elderly
parents and grandparents. The policy implications that are derived from the present study are
at individual, familial, societal and governmental level.

47
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 ANNEXURE – IV A
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR ELDERLY
PERSONAL INFORMATION OF THE SUBJECT:
Name: ……………………………………………………………………………
Gender: …………………………………………………………………………….
Age: ………………………………………………………………………………
Educational Qualification: ………………………………………………………….
Occupation: ………………………………………………………………………

INFORMATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS:

S.No. Name Age Gender Educational Occupation Relation
with
qualification
the EGO

1. When does a person becomes old.

2. What kind of help do aged need form their children.
3. What kind of help did you provide to your aged parents.
4. Do you feel any changes regarding care provided by your children.
Yes/No
If ‘Yes’ what type of change
5. Are you satisfied with the care provided by your children .
Yes/No
If No, What are the reasons
6. Do you expect any care from your children.
Yes/No
If No, why
7. Do you feel any change in your health.
Yes/No
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 If Yes, what type of change. How do you cope up with these changes.
8. Whom do you feel should provide proper care & attention to you at home.
If nobody, what are the reasons.
9. Expenditure incurred on your medicines.
10. Who gives you money for your medicines.
11. What are the sources of your income.
12. Children give ‘monthly Fixed Amount’ for meeting you personal expenses.
Yes/No
If Yes, how much
13. Are you satisfied with your, Children’s Contribution.
Yes/No
If No, Why
14. Do you feel parents should not take financial help from children.
Yes/No
If No. Why
15. Who provides you money for religious pilgrimages.
16. Before Retirement, how did you spend your time.
17. Feel that your hobbies have changed now.
Yes/No
18. At what time do you feel lonely & isolated in your home.
19. How do you spend that time.
20. Do you feel that after retirement, a person is not as much respected as
before.
Yes/No
If Yes, Why
23. Who took decisions at home before retirement.
24. Do you feel any change in decision making after retirement.
Yes/No
If Yes. What type of change
25. Do you feel that the views of aged and family members don’t match.
Yes/No
If Yes, in what issues?
26. How do you react then.
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27. Do you feel children try to modify their own attitude.
28. Do your grandchildren spend time with you.
Yes/No
If Yes, What type of activities you performed with them.
If no, why
29. Do you take your grandchildren for outing.
Yes/No
If No. Why
30. Which period is the golden period in one’s life.
(i) Childhood
(ii) Young Age
(iii) Grahastasharm (householder)
(iv) Old age
What are the Reasons
31. If Government provide all modern facilities in a separate house, would you like to go
there.
Yes/No
If Yes, Why
32. Do you feel that family member agree with your decision.
Yes/No
33. What should be done by:
a) Family for care of aged:-
b) Society for care of aged:-
c) Government for care of aged:

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 ANNEXURE – IV B
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR CHILDREN
PERSONAL INFORMATION OF THE SUBJECT:
Name: ………………………………………………………………………………..
Gender: …………….………………………………………………………………..
Age: …………………………………………………………………………………
Educational Qualification: ………………………………………………………….
Occupation: …………………………………………………………………………

INFORMATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS:

S.No. Name Age Gender Educational Occupation Relation
with
qualification
the EGO

1. When does a person becomes old.

2. Do you spend some time with your aged parents.
If No, why
3. Do they spend sometime with you.
4. What kind of interaction do you have with you aged parents.
5. Do your views match with your parent /- in-law.
If Yes, on what issues
6. How do deal with disagreements.
7. Do you feel any time that you have forced to do something by your parent- in-law.
If Yes, how do you deal
8. Do you share problems with your parents .
Yes/No
If No, why
If Yes, what kind of problems you share with them
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9. How do they help you.
10. When they are ill, who looks after them.
11. Who provides special diet during illness.
12. Do you feel that their attitude changes during illness.
If Yes, what are those changes
13. Do you need some help during that time.
Yes/No
If Yes, what kind of help
14. Do your feel that aged want to spend most of their time in pilgrimages.
Yes/No.
If Yes, are you able to fulfill their wishes
Yes/No
15. Do you provide some financial support for pilgrimages.
Yes/No
If No, why
16. Do you feel they spend their time alone at home.
Yes/No
If Yes, how do you compensate
17. What are the needs of the family members for taking care of the aged.
18. Do you feel that contribution of aged parents required in meeting your
needs.
Yes/No
19. Do you feel that the situation of aged in India is worsening.
Yes/No
If Yes, what are the reasons
20. How can this be changed.
21. How requires change .

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 ANNEXURE – IV C
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR GRAND CHILDREN
PERSONAL INFORMATION OF THE SUBJECT:
Name: ……………………………………………………………………………
Gender: …………………………………………………………………………..
Age: ……………………………………………………………………………...
Educational Qualification: ………………………………………………………
Occupation: ………………………………………………………………………
INFORMATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS:
S.No. Name Age Gender Educational Occupation Relation
with
qualification
the EGO

1. When does a person becomes old.

2. Do you like the company of your grand parents.
Yes/No
3. How much time do you spend with your grandparents.
4. In that period, what type of activities you performed with them.
5 Do they share their life experiences with you.
Yes/No
6. How do you feel when they share their experiences with you.
7. When you face any problem, whom in your family do you approach first and why.
Reasons:-
8. Do you like your grandparents presence in your room.
Yes/No
9. Do you plan your birthday party according to the choice of your grandparents.
10. When you are busy in some work and your grandparents call you, what you do at that
time.
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11. Do your grandmother put restrictions on your during periods.
Yes/No
12. What kind of work you are not allowed to do during these days. How do you react at
that time.
14. Do you feel that aged are looked after properly by the society.
Yes/No
15. In some families it is seen that aged are not respected, what do you think is the
reasons behind this.
16. What suggestions would you like to give for their proper care.

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 ANNEXURE-V
INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR NON-GOVERNMENTAL
ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTATIVES

(I) GENERAL BACKGROUND

 Name of the organization
 Address of the organization
 Name of the President/Office bearer
 Working experience (in years)
(II) AREAS TO BE COVERED
 Main target group/beneficiaries
 Identify the beneficiaries through:-
Survey/references/any other source
 Type of services to be provided to beneficiaries
 Receive any feed back from the beneficiaries regarding services availed (III)
FINANCIAL SOURCES OF THE ORGANIZATION
 Governmental
 Non-Governmental
 Any other
(IV) REQUIREMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
BENEFICIARIES
 Financial assistance from voluntary agencies/Government department
 Support from public
(V) VIEWS REGARDING OLD AGE HOME FOR ELDERLY
 There should be no old age home
 Open more Non-Governmental organizations for elderly
 Children should take their aged parents responsibility
(VI) COPING STRATEGIES USED BY THE ORGANIZATION
 Social counseling
 Psychiatric counseling

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