Old age homes as a fact of life

-V. Rajagopal
1) The main purpose of this article:
A look at certain aspects of the rising number of facilities for
the elderly.

2) The key question that the author is addressing is:

What is the genesis of old age homes and how have they
changed life patterns for the elders?

3) The most important information in this article is:

There have been many transformations in recent years that
have had an impact on society in different sectors – societal,
financial and personal. Lifestyles have changed, some for the
better and a few with negative consequences. The population
in general has been reaping the benefits, and mostly those
from the younger generation have been able to realize many
of their dreams and develop their careers in a better fashion
than was possible earlier.
However, the senior citizens, referred to as elders, face certain
problems as a consequence of the social transformation. This
is reflected in the transition from the traditional ways of life to
modern patterns, which require many compromises and
adjustments. One of these involve old age homes.
1. Decline of joint family replaced by nuclear
2. Among the estimated population of over 10 crore in the
country in the age range of 65 and above, at least 10 to
20% will be above 75 who face health problems to
different degrees.
4) The main inferences/conclusions in this article are:
• The life of elders in the present age is full of problems, both
for themselves and for the children. The fortunate few
depart with satisfaction and peace of mind, while others
leave with an unhappy state of mind. Meanwhile, the OAHs
have come to be a part of our social system.

5) The key concept(s) we need to understand in this article

is (are):
• Understanding the reasons behind old age homes.
• Concept of old age housing as the children do not live
together with them due to various reasons .
• It must be admitted that there are sons and daughters in
some families who do not want to leave their aged parents
and prefer to take care of them until their last breath, by
opting to remain in the country with the satisfaction of
whatever employment and other benefits they have
commensurate with their education and qualifications. Thus,
the mindset of children varies widely and parents have
learnt to compromise with the given situation.
• OAHs were a concomitant of the emergence of the nuclear
family system.

6) The main assumption(s) underlying the author’s

thinking is (are):
• The stage was set for new life pattern of life for elders. Are
they all in the same life system with their children? What
are the variations and problems they face?
7a) If we take this line of reasoning seriously, the
implications are:
• Senior citizens who feel lonely would get a company and
would be happy.
• Freedom and friendly atmosphere with other elders who
keep them company, enjoying the time with TV, games and
gossip. They show some detachment from family members
and feel more secure in OAHs and avoid a restricted life
with their children.

7b) If we fail to take this line of reasoning seriously, the

implications are
• The author is trying to tell people the current situation
where children do not take care of their parents.
• While many elders accept the change, others are unable to
adjust, and start grumbling and sulking, which is
understandable considering the age and exposure to
circumstances.

8) The main point(s) of view presented in this article is

(are)
• The Author is trying to focus on today’s reality where the
old people are alone and lonely . Even some OAH are not
treating them properly. While some help them for peace of
mind and happiness. The old aged people should not be
treated like this as at once they were the only one who has
taken care of us and what we are today is because of them.
They had many compromises in life.
• Meanwhile, the OAHs have come to be a part of our social
system.
• OAHs were a concomitant of the emergence of the nuclear
family system.