Aged in Changing Social System: Their Problems

The traditional Indian social system has been changing very fast because of the steadily engulfing forces of modernization, urbanization, industrialization and other such processes. It has drastically affected the rural family structure in general and the age-old Indian joint family system in particular. In urban fringes the joint family system has been disintegrated to a large extent and therefore, the social and economic significance of this institution has significantly diminished. The fact of consumerism and individualistic attitude of the younger generation has necessitated them to drift away from their villages to gain more comfort and achieving future goals in urban areas. In such a situation the poor and helpless aged parents are left behind alone in villages, where they feel socially helpless and economically unsecured and thereby they are compelled to lead a life of uncertainty and tribulation. In this piece of study, an attempt has been made to highlight various problems of the aged residing in urban fringes after their retirement from government and private salaried jobs. This study focuses on the general demographic trends of the aged of Indian population taking the case of the state of Orissa as an example. However, the prime thrust of the study is based on empirical findings on the aspects, like living condition of the aged with special reference to family types, living arrangement, economic support i.e. work participation and contribution of physical labour of the aged towards family members, renderance of advice and their participation in decision making process, food and narcotic habits, health, diseases and treatment process, leisure and recreational activities, old-age and difficulties in withdrawal and utilization of pension etc. Apart from all these, the book also speaks about the constitutional safeguards and welfare measures of the government, and finally, it also provides some constructive suggestions for the well-being of the aged. The book is enriched with few case studies.