Representation and Executive Functions of Women Presidents and Representatives in the Grama Panchayats of Karnataka

Abstract

Research work on the living arrangement preferences of the elderly in the Indian context is very scanty. A few studies dealing with the living arrangement preferences of the elderly concentrates on the elderly living in households, leaving out the institutionalised elderly. This study, therefore, looks into the living arrangement preferences of the institutionalised elderly in Odisha. This paper is based on the data collected from the three old age homes in Odisha covering 50 respondents. Data was collected through a survey of the inmates of the old age homes and through detailed case studies. This study shows that the elderly residing in these old age homes are poor, helpless, destitute majority are from the vulnerable sections of the society. Older-olds, widowed, economically dependent, childless and sick elderly are more vulnerable compared to others. Family conflicts, lack of money and ill health are the major reasons for the elderly to depend on old age homes