Neighborhood based support services for the well-being of older adults in Indian urban neighborhoods

Abstract

India has been experiencing a sudden surge in the population of senior citizens or older adults or elderly. The change in the traditional family structure has led to the loss in the traditional system of family-based support services. While the older adults of the American or European countries are prepared to live independently without the system of filial support and shift to retirement or senior residential communities (if required), the Indian elderly are still coping with the sudden change in the family structure and adapting to the idea of independent living in old age. Besides, the elderly in India also prefer to age-in-place. Consequently, the importance of home and immediate residential surroundings becomes essential for the overall well-being or Quality of Life (QoL) of the Indian elderly. The present study, explores how the presence or absence of an existing set of support services, in neighborhoods, influences the satisfaction rating with the overall QoL of a group of Indian elderly living in Kolkata, India. The study attempts to establish the need for inclusion of elderly friendly neighborhood based support services in residential neighborhoods in India