A sociological study on the social security and old age people in ludhiana

Abstract

Modern society generally considers OAH as a good option and last recourse for those unfortunate aged who are abandoned by their children for various reasons. The objectives of the study required to examine in depth the prevalent socio-economic conditions as well as the problems which compelled the elderly to shift to various old age homes in the district of Ludhiana. newlineOne third of the population in 60 plus age group has insufficient income which is a major problem for the old in India. The most unsafe are those with no assets and have little or no savings, no pensions or retirement benefits. The state of Punjab has a total of 10.3% percent senior citizens as per census 2011. At the age of sixty for males Punjab has the highest Life Expectancy of 19.3 per cent in India. The dependency ratio for 2011 for all Indian elderly is 16.1 percent. newlineModernization and technological advancements facilitate the movement of people from rural to urban areas. Family and hierarchical setups have been transformed. In both social and regional conditions, aged people are being alienated from their family set up and the joint family is becoming a rarity. This is, invariably giving rise to a large number of old age homes. newlineOld Age Homes are providing comfort and solace to the aged in their last years of life. The elderly need space, freedom, choice and an ability to maintain relations, friendships et al. Despite healthy environment and a rise in number of senior citizens in the nation; a plethora of problems faced, has also increased. newlineThe survey for the present study revealed that majority of the old people in Ludhiana usually lived with their nuclear families, before coming to or left into the old age home. However, their stay in their very own homes became so hellish and irksome newline newline newline newlinethat the harsh decision to move out of that ugly situation seemed the only viable solution. Sometimes, drug abuse and threat to life from their own children for not giving money, unemployment and no income forcing them to sell property to get money, is a maj