Social deprivation and victimization of elderly people: A study

Social Deprivation and Victimization of Elderly People: A Study  

            Very often elderly life is considered as a burdened life, predominantly, of struggle, illness, depression, exploitation and abuse etc. Changes in population structure will have several implications for health, economic security, family life and well-being of the elderly people. The needs and problems of the elderly vary significantly according to their age, socio-economic status, health, living status and other characteristics. So from these determinants make the elderly people deprived in which leads victimization. Victimization is process of several social determinants and a result of social structural imbalances and changes in developing nations. The focus of victimization is on elderly people in India. The target includes both elderly men and women.

            Dependency level is high among the elderly population they depend on their children for their happy later life. Due to break in family structure more number of nuclear families has emerged. The reason for transition into nuclear family from joint family system is complex and diverse. Hence provision of care and support to the elderly people in the family becomes a burden for the today’s young generation. So the state of alienation, isolation and deprivation are felt by the elderly. A qualitative understanding of the elderly’s problem and prospects is undertaken in which case study methods as the tool for data collection is used. This study conducted in Madurai district of Tamilnadu, India reveals denial, neglect, alienation, isolation and deprivation are the vulnerable factors that lead to victimization, denial of basic needs and rights of the elderly people, rights of elderly are violated at all forms in all ways. Neglect leads to abuse and abuse leads to deprivation and further lead to alienation and homelessness. Hence the old people are moved to a secured institutional care centers like old age homes.