Social Supportive Systems for the Rural Senior Citizens

Ageing is an inevitable phenomenon in all biological species. One of the upcoming issues in the global demographic situation is the population ageing. The rise in the proportion of the ageing population represents one of the most significant demographic shifts in history. India is a country with the tradition of respecting, loving and supporting the aged. The extended families of several generations under the same roof were the basic unit of production and livelihood in the traditional agricultural society. The families are expected to, and do give care to the elderly, though the quality and quantity of care may not always be satisfactory. Family care for the elderly is believed to be culturally determined and socially reinforced. It is a many sided task that has to be shared by family, community, society and the state as the impact of the changes in society will have a bearing on the conditions of life and care programmes for elderly. The book would be of great help to every person in the society. It speaks about how the senior citizens are supported by social systems in rural areas.