Aging & Social Change: Ninth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

An increase in the percentage of older populations has been observed all over the world. This increase in the ageing population indicates a rampant and ongoing change in the population composition. The wide range of experiences that elderly go through become important be looked into and be in sync with the idea of their right to a healthy living and ageing. Speaking further in context of a developing country like India, where emphasis has always been on traditionally strong familial ties, it becomes necessary to focus on these experiences within the family set up, where there is an informal care giving by members of the family. This paper is focused around the experiences of the elderly and their care givers within a family set up, in the face of the transitions that come about with the elderly facing functional limitations when they cross their sixties. The discussion is centre around the perceptions and experiences of both set of participants, how functional limitations and disabilities in old age are perceived, the support mechanisms available, associated challenges and the way forward.