Social support system and well being of elderly women- Indian context

• Journal: Global Academic Society Journal: Social Science Insight, Vol. 2, No. 9, year 2009, pp. 17-32.
• Author(s): Sreedhanya Hari Thekkedath, Mary Venus Joseph
• Category: Social Science Insight III
• Keywords: elderly women, mistreatment, jeopardy, social isolation, vulnerable, social support system, formal support system, semi formal support system, informal support system, social networking, well being

Abstract

This article gives an overview of situation of elderly women in India. It emphasises significance of social networking in promoting wellbeing of elderly women. Even though both men and women are vulnerable to age related tribulations, severity of problems is more among elderly women. Paper throws light on the various factors associated with age that prevented her from maintaining social contacts, for e.g., change of social role in old age makes elderly women more vulnerable to social isolation and abuse. In India, even though the policy has been formulated to ensure the well being of elderly, how far it is successful in addressing the needs of elderly women remains unanswered. The final part of the paper discusses the proactive measures that need to be taken to empower the elderly women at various (individual, community and Government) levels.