Aging & Social Change: Tenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Population ageing is rapid across the globe as mortality rate has decreased and longevity has increased. The demographic and socio-economic conditions emphasise the need to focus more on the older generations. This is the case of the developing nations today including India with urbanization, modernization, migration on one hand and the challenges of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, inadequate formal structures on the other which needs to be tackled for creating an elderly-friendly society. Among the various concerns for the elderly population at different levels including individual, family, community, and State, the concern raised by this paper is based on their experiences. The elderly population is heterogeneous but has been considered as a homogeneous for various programs/ policies. It is important that their voices be heard and given consideration. Those living alone are often the most neglected ones among the elderly population at different levels. The proportion of elderly living alone is increasing due to the changing socio-economic and cultural situations. Since the numbers are increasing, it is not just an individual but a societal and policy level concern. This paper is based on the qualitative study on the life experiences of the elderly living alone in Delhi. Data was collected through in-depth interview with thematic analysis. Participant led purposive sampling was used in the study. It looks at the reasons for the elderly living alone, their perceptions, challenges and the support system. The study highlights the experiences and way ahead in creating a more elderly-friendly society.