Undesired Aged: A Social Problem in Present Scenario- with Special Reference to Malnad Region of Karnataka State India

Old age is an inevitable juncture. It is a natural course of action and everybody has to pass through this whether he likes or not. Old age is a very sensitive phase because of their dependency. Aged persons are known as torchbearer of our society. Their role is to transfer their experiences, culture, norms, folkways, rituals, etc., to the new generations. For this, they want some respect, regard, care, rest, and attention from the new generation. Our Indian society is famous for regarding their aged as treasures. But now a day, a family has been hidden and the nature of nuclear families has been changed. According to Oxford Dictionary of sociology (2007:221-2): ‘The term nuclear family is used to refer to a unit consisting of spouses and their dependent children’.

The objective of this research paper is to discuss and try to understand the problems of our aged. To know the problems of these undesired aged in our social structure, we have selected fifty aged persons from different part of malnad region Karnataka. Their children are in other cities or in other countries or they have no child. We have selected them as per their availability and willing to openly share their problems without any hesitation or fear. And, do they feel undesired or lonely? How do they pass their time and solve their daily problems? In the era of communication revolution and instant relationship, how do they maintain their lifestyle, etc.?

This research paper will be helpful to show the conditions and social problems of old persons in present social structure and scenario. Findings of the research paper are enough to surprise us, and emphasize the need for a wide and fair timely study to solve the problems of our Indian social structure.