Abstract |
The major objectives of the study are as follows: map the old age home scenario throughout India, especially the districts of Kerala, and assess the profile of inmates in all old age homes in Kerala. As per the survey, the number of old age homes in Kerala is 134, one-fifth of India's number. Currently, at least 5 old age homes are coming up every year. The number of inmates reported in the survey was 5076 persons, of which 60 percent are females. Surprisingly, the percentage of elderly with one living son residing in old age homes is 48% and the corresponding percentage for one living daughter is 41. The results clearly indicate that even those who have children (male or female) are left alone to fend for themselves; eventually some of them move into old age homes in Kerala. |