preview

Problems of Senior Citizens

Better Essays
FOUNDATION COURSE PROJECT

PROBLEMS OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS

ILL-TREATMENT BY THE NEXT GENERATION AND GENERATION GAP ISSUES

INTRODUCTION

The traditional norms and values of Indian society laid stress on showing respect and providing care for the elderly. Consequently, the older members of the family were normally taken care of in the family itself. The family, commonly the joint family type, and social networks provided an appropriate environment in which the elderly spent their lives. The advent of modernization, industrialization, urbanization, occupational differentiation, education, and growth of individual philosophy has eroded the traditional values that vested authority with elderly. These have led to defiance and decline
…show more content…
The essence of the Indian tradition to take care of their parents who are now exposed to many social and economic demons have to stay in these old age homes. This could be the last thing a parent would expect from their child in return of sacrificing their own lives for the well being of their children.
THE GENERATION GAP PROBLEM
Mrs. Anila Mehta, a resident of a higher middle class family in my neighbourhood, aged around 65-68 years, usually comes complaining about her grand daughter roaming around freely with boys, or her daughter in law not wearing Indian ethnic wear at home. She is usually emotionally hurt by these acts of her daughter in law and granddaughter. I went to her and spoke to her about the problems she faces regularly at home. These are her own words (translated) : “I have to face a lot of problems because of my children. They have stopped listening to me, they say my thoughts are orthodox and backward in nature. They fail to understand that I always am there for their benefits. They keep on doing everything completely against my opinion. Amisha(her grand daughter) keeps on talking on phone throughout the day, or keeps on roaming around with her friends. She does not understand the ill-effects of these things now. Its only that I care for her and do not want anything to happen to her. They also do not take me anywhere out of home. When I ask them why they do so they tell me I become a
Get Access