KOCHI:Gayathri and Ashok Kumar (name changed), a working couple from Kottayam, are in their 40s and have two children. They have already booked space at an old-age home in Thodupuzha to relocate after retirement.
Raji M, 50, a top executive with a private firm in Alappuzha, chalks out her monthly budget in such a way she can invest in an old-age home soon.It is not a case of Gayathri & Ashok and Raji alone as more and more middle-aged couples in the state plan to spend their retired life in old-age homes in order to have peace and to ensure they do not depend on their children or end up being a liability to them.
"It doesn't mean our children don't love us and we don't love them. We've decided to settle in an old-age home to ensure we give enough freedom to our children to plan their future. As sensible parents, we should understand the complexities of life these days and support our children," said Gayathri.
Raji said, "Children have their aspirations and we shouldn't be a hindrance to them. I'm planning my budget so that I can book an old-age home."Social researchers say Kerala society has gradually accepted old-age homes as a reality and way of life.
Though south and central districts in the state have started to consider community living in old-age homes as the best option for retired life, people in northern districts still have a stigma attached to it.“Those now in their mid-40s and 50s have accepted old-age homes as the best option to have a peaceful retired life. There’s a drastic change in the perception of old-age homes with the present generation of young parents compared to those who’re now in their 70s or 80s. We are getting a lot of bookings from couples in their 40s and 50s,” said Bless Homes MD Gijo Antony.
Eminent sociologist and University of Calicut sociology department coordinator N P Hafiz Mohamad said parents of children settled abroad are willfully opting for old-age homes rather than spending a lonely life.
“Case studies have found parents are happy to settle in old-age homes accepting it as a way of life,” said Mohamad, adding people in northern districts were yet to embrace the new trend.
714 homes in state
Data with the Social Justice Department as on December 14, 2017, shows that there were 714 old-age homes in Kerala with 18,015 inmates.Archdiocese of Changanassery Family Apostolate director Fr Jose Mukalel accepted the fact, but said, “Personally, I still believe family living has its own advantage if parents and children find enjoyment and warmth of family relationship.”
714 old-age homes in Kerala as per data on December 14, 2017
18,015 people live in these homes