Old Age Homes

Need For Old Age Homes in India In recent years the economic and social environment in India has considerably changed. Due to the economic boon, the opportunities for employment have increased manifold. This has led to the disintegration of joint families. Women no longer remain confined to their domestic chores. They have begun to move out of their homes and take up jobs. As a result the old people are left alone at their homes. The young ones have no time to attend to them. The elderly people feel completely neglected and isolated. In the good old days, the younger generation used to be very respectful towards the elderly people. They were thought to be wise and experienced and their advice was sought on all important matters. But nowadays the elderly people are thought to be old-fashioned. The younger generation often pushes elders aside. They also neglect or even scorn them. In such a situation, life becomes hell for the elderly people. Most of them have no independent source of income. They have to live at the mercy of their ever-grumbling children. Besides this, old age illnesses like arthritis, failing eyesight, loss of hearing, heart disease, diabetes, etc. add to their miseries. They become so desperate and miserable that they start praying to God for an early death.

Such a shabby treatment of the elderly people is completely undesirable. They give their whole youth to bring up their children, serve the community and the society. In their old age they can’t be left out unattended like animals in the street. If the younger generation today fails to do their duty towards their elders, it becomes the duty of the government to help its senior citizens. And this can’t be done merely by giving some travelling concessions and small pensions for the old. The need of the hour is to open old-age homes in every town and city. Those elderly people who are neglected and are living in miserable conditions with their children can live in these homes. They can live a peaceful life of their own. They can sit and chat with the people of their own age. Thus they can share their common joys and sorrows, pains and pleasures.

These homes should be well maintained and should have proper medical facilities. Many NGOs in India have already opened such homes. But the government should also come forward to provide sufficient facilities. Many western countries have already made a start in this direction, India should also follow their example.