Is old-age home the solution for the elderly?

The concept of old age homes in India is a relatively new one and, while it is a fact that the old and elderly people are not welcome in any modern family, a certain section of society does not want to accept this situation.
They are the producers of TV serials and TV reality shows and they want to prove to the world at large that we Indians are firm believers in the joint family system.
They cannot be blamed because entertainment is all about living in a world of make-believe, a non-existent Utopia. It is nice to see grandparents interacting with the school and college going children, sitting around a huge table to have their breakfast, or lunch or dinner or assembling in the prayer room to perform regular rituals. The family participates in all festivals and there are tiffs between the ma-in-law and daughter-in-law which get resolved within no time till another tiff is generated.

Unfortunately, these do not really happen in the world around us – here everyone wants his or her own space and hates others to encroach in their personal lives. It is true for both sides and, hence, in real life, the dining tables are small – with only four chairs. Meals are taken as per convenience.
Obviously, in keeping with the revised social norms, old-age homes have come into the picture to take care of those unwanted members of the family. These homes are the ultimate refuge of the old ones who have served their useful purpose. These are places where they are enrolled by their sons or daughters or where they opt to go on their own.
These are safe locations where they remain – in exchange of monthly charges. They will be assured of the company of others, they will get prompt medical services apart from some sort of entertainment through TV and, occasional celebration of birthdays of the residents or musical evenings.
But, the loneliness associated with the absence of near and dear ones can never be replaced. Moreover, it may be difficult for some of them to adjust to a new way of life where there is bound to be conflict of interests with those who have a superiority complex – and, there is no shortage of such characters.
In the movie Lage Raho Munnabhai we did get a glimpse into a house called 'Second Innings House' for Senior Citizens. All old-age houses may not be like that.
Incidentally, for those interested, the brief details of old age homes, state wise, are available in official information published in ‘Old Age Homes’ by the Government of India. (to be continued …)

(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)
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