Ageing issues and challenges: Gender bias in the care of elderly

Abstract

This paper traces the consequences of ageing on women after briefly describing the place of aged within the joint family structure and the changes seen in the recent years. The aged have become a burden. While examining population structure and its projections for 2025 AD, it is seen that women who survive longer and have better use in a household also become an impediment if they are not economically independent.The family structure and mental status of the women make them dependent on the younger generation. Women before sixty and after sixty seem to be coping with house-work. At the same time working and wage earning women have more time now than they had earlier. Economically a greater number of women are dependent. Even those who earn a separate wage are economically dependent. Woman who inherited (any) property which came from her father's home. Genetic and other diseases are not very dangerous, for this sample is comparatively healthy. Yet some signs of senility started creeping in. There are more women in the old category who require help other than what is available today. There is a need for support systems to help out the caregiver. Since the entire burden falls on the caregiver, suggestions are given for the relief of the caregivers. Some interventions have to be undertaken by agencies.