Mahendra Krishna Ahiwale1, Manoj Kumar2
BACKGROUND
The older generation is caught between the decline in traditional values
on one hand and the absence of adequate social
security system on the other. The elderly citizens are in need of urgent attention. They don’t need our pity, but the
understanding, love and care of their fellow human beings. It is our duty to see that they don’t spend the twilight years of
their life in isolation, pain and misery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was undertaken in elderly living in two old age homes and some families of general population living in Pune, in
July 2017. The data was collected from a sample of hundred and twenty elderly people, after a random selection, sixty from
old age homes (OAHs) and sixty were from the families. These data were collected from two OAHs using a specially designed
Interview schedule and observation technique through a house to house survey for those residing in the family. These
informations thus obtained were collected, analysed, tabulated, and finally presented in the form of numbers and
percentages.
RESULTS
Our present study shows that out of tot
al 60 respondents taken from families, 33.3% belongs to 60 65 yrs. of age group,
47% from 65 70 yrs., 13.3% from 70 75 yrs., and 6.6% were from above 75 yrs. of age group. Out of other 60 respondents
living in OAHs, these data were 3.3%, 16.6%, 47%, and 33 .3% respectively. Majority of the respondents (43.3%) living in the
families preferred a company with their family members. Majority of the elderly (53.3%) were more comfortable to make their
social relationship with their inmates. Among those elderly livi ng in OAHs, 86.6% were visiting religious places, and 3.3%
were resorting to meditation.
CONCLUSION
It could be concluded from our present study that the general feelings of the elderly living in the families had better posit
ion
than that of the elderly l iving in OAHs. Older persons are in need of vital support that will keep important aspects of their life
styles intact while improving their over all quality of life.
