The Community and the Aged

The elderly in the developing countries enjoy a privileged position in the community. There is a strong societal pressure to take care of aged parents at home, thus there are very few old age homes. The few old age homes which exist are for the destitute or the rare person who is abused by his family. These old age homes although providing basic physical care are an unhappy place because the residents themselves consider it their misfortune to be living outside their own home.

Elderly usually engage themselves in religious activities. These activities are centered around places of worship. These religious places also serve as a meeting place for groups of elderly. Religious leaders are often active in counseling and social activities. A unique situation is found in Thailand where Buddhist Monks use the temples to promote health education amongst the elderly who visit them. Flourishing religious cities have come up in many parts of the developing world where older people will migrate to spend the later part of their lives.