The Experience and Perception of Time
Introduction
Ageing of an individual is conceived as a perpetual process associated with the passage of time. Various studies on ageing suggest that advances in technology and modernization have resulted in the increase of life expectancy and decline in the birth rates of people. Because of this, the twenty first century may be called as the "Era of
Population Ageing". This situation has dramatically also given rise to the various issues confronting the elderly, making process of ageing as a challenge before the human society considering its impact on the individuals, community, family and society at large.
In general, family is the most vital non-formal social security for the elderly and most emotionally satisfying place to live in their later life. But owing to the modification and change of the family structure from joint family system to nuclear family, at both rural and urban levels, the responsiblty and care for the elderly has reduced. Elders were better adjusted to the joint structure of the extended family in the past, with extended kins taking care and giving support. But, in present time, due to lack of such caring system, taking care of the elderly has become a serious problem
(Bose& Shankardass 2004).
Currently factors like urbanisation, education, changing values, better employment opportunities etc. have altered the traditional roles of elderly in the society and in the family. Moreover, one also witness that, many younger person are immigrating to other cities and to countries for better employment, leaving their aged parents behind, resulting in isolation, loneliness and neglect of the elderly. Hence lack of personal care leads to constant search for new forms of care. A new trend is visible, where elders are increasingly moving into their own age cohorts in old age homes in search of care and needed support.
Old Age Homes as an Alternative
Form of Care
Currently protection and car of
Ageing of an individual is conceived as a perpetual process associated with the passage of time. Various studies on ageing suggest that advances in technology and modernization have resulted in the increase of life expectancy and decline in the birth rates of people. Because of this, the twenty first century may be called as the "Era of
Population Ageing". This situation has dramatically also given rise to the various issues confronting the elderly, making process of ageing as a challenge before the human society considering its impact on the individuals, community, family and society at large.
In general, family is the most vital non-formal social security for the elderly and most emotionally satisfying place to live in their later life. But owing to the modification and change of the family structure from joint family system to nuclear family, at both rural and urban levels, the responsiblty and care for the elderly has reduced. Elders were better adjusted to the joint structure of the extended family in the past, with extended kins taking care and giving support. But, in present time, due to lack of such caring system, taking care of the elderly has become a serious problem
(Bose& Shankardass 2004).
Currently factors like urbanisation, education, changing values, better employment opportunities etc. have altered the traditional roles of elderly in the society and in the family. Moreover, one also witness that, many younger person are immigrating to other cities and to countries for better employment, leaving their aged parents behind, resulting in isolation, loneliness and neglect of the elderly. Hence lack of personal care leads to constant search for new forms of care. A new trend is visible, where elders are increasingly moving into their own age cohorts in old age homes in search of care and needed support.
Old Age Homes as an Alternative
Form of Care
Currently protection and car of