Informal Care for Elderly Women-Challenges and Possibilities

Population ageing is increasing rapidly in developing nations like India. Profound changes in family structure have also influenced the nature of care and provisions for care to the elderly, especially women elderly. The issue becomes more challenging in the light of emerging geriatric problems and care. The paper analyses the problem from the perspective of elderly women and provide the picture of informal care system on the basis of primary data collected from Kerala. 300 respondents were interviewed and analysis was done by SPSS. Family development theory and gender identity theory were used. Using descriptive design the study identified that the life of elderly women were under the strong fear of dependency and they were more concerned about their worthiness to live within the family in old age. Willingness rather than ability decided the nature and quality of care provided. Day to day activities and resource allocation, discussions and prioritisation reflected 'emotional vacuum '