ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS THAT FORCE THE SENIOR CITIZENS TO LIVE IN OLD AGE HOMES OF LAHORE

Abstract

The current research, entitled "Analysis of Socio-Economic Factors That Compel Senior Citizens to Live in Old Age Homes of Lahore", examines the social and economic conditions that push senior citizens to find living accommodation in institutions. The researcher recognized a wide lacuna in the literature that currently exists, especially on the issues of the elderly, specifically on the issue of social isolation — a condition that is often encountered by elderly citizens. This research seeks to investigate the socio-economic demands that force the elderly to abandon their homes and families and, in the process, suffer from emotional trauma and yearning for reunification. A qualitative method was used, entailing intensive case studies of 12 subjects — 6 elderly persons living in old age homes and 6 of their relatives. The study universe consisted of elderly people from the Lahore district. An interview schedule was used to collect data, which was analyzed thematically with the help of balance sheets to structure emerging patterns. Purposive sampling was used to ensure rich and relevant stories. The research shows that economic difficulties, domestic conflict, and emotional abandonment are the factors behind the relocations of the elderly. Though most of the family members testified that their seniors had opted for living in institutions voluntarily, the interviews with the older citizens exposed an undercurrent of emotional depth — the majority still harbored the hope of coming together and returning to their families with honor and respect.

Key words: Psychological impact, Senior citizen, old age homes, Socio-economic factors, Social-isolation