Who do we consider ‘old’?
Citizens who have crossed the age of 60 years are described variously as ‘senior citizens’, ‘elderly’ and ‘aged’.
This is the age at which most people retire from the workforce. Even as per the Income Tax Act, people at or above the age of 60 are considered ‘senior citizens’ and thus can avail various benefits.
An elderly parent staying in an old age home has become a common phenomenon these days. But are old age homes good for the seniors? Most elderly want to live self reliant on their own and detest the idea of living in old age homes. Yet, their children want them to live in safety and comfort. Due to this digital age when we can find more nuclear families than joint ones, many seniors are left on their own. This rise of old age homes and senior living communities have seen a phenomenal rise in recent decades. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong if an elder stays in an old age home, it does offend sensibilities.
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Advantages of an elderly living in an old age home
- As individuals grow older, they find it harder to do their routine everyday tasks. Simple things like cooking, washing and eating might seem daunting to them. In an old age home, they have caretenders who help them in their daily chores with care and patience. This makes living more comfortable for them.
- Seniors long for companionship. They love speaking with people. This is much provided in an old age home. Being with a group of seniors, makes them feel wanted and gets rid of remorse and feelings of loneliness.
- Senior friendly amenities are available in old age homes. The homes for seniors also organize various activities each day like, yoga, exercises, medications to keep them engaged and happy.
- At old age homes, the committee takes care to create a homely environment with all the essential facilities and basic amenities so that seniors living in old age homes can feel homely.
Disadvantages of an elderly living in an old age home
- Things in life do not come for free and seniors know this the best. Services at old age homes cost money and can be quite expensive. Not every family can handle these costs. Most seniors are pensioners or get their money from the children. Finances are one of the primary challenges in an old age home
- There is only limited freedom in the living spaces and the choice of food. There can also be an issue of lack of privacy. It will not be the same as living in one’s own home.
- The atmosphere in an old age home might not be friendly to the senior. This might give rise to depression and the elder might miss their loved ones.
- If the elder was forced to live in an old age home, they might not fully adapt to the functioning of the old age home.
