Keeping in mind the growing problems of the ageing population of the country, govt. of india has framed “ Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.”
To provide for more effective provisions for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens
[ Background of this Act was Socio Cultured Scenario]
In the traditional Indian Systems, elderly were respected and they had a great decision making power in the family. Children felt duty bound to serve and respect the elderly and to contribute to the family resources. Children sought the Council of Elders for making major decisions and placed family resources at the disposable of elders for prudent handling.
During this last century, this socio economic and value systems has slowly eroded,
i. More and more couples are working full time.
ii. Families have become smaller and nuclear
iii. Children have migrated to modern cosmopolitan cities for jobs.
iv. Market forces are creating more and more power to spend more and more consumerism.
v. Life expectancy of elderly have gone up from 32 years in 1947 to 67 years in 2007.
All these factors can pressures on families resulting in
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Abandonment
- Poverty
- Loneliness of the elderly people
Children find it difficult to serve their elders. Problem of widows, widowers and childless elderly are even more acute.