Ageing Issues and Responses in India

This book discusses emerging issues concerning ageing in India, describes the multi-layered vulnerabilities of older adults in the context of health care and caregiving, and explores social, legal and economic perspectives. It also analyses the existing policies and programmes intended to address these age-related issues and assesses the importance of preventive geriatrics towards active ageing, as well as the current scenario of institutional care for the elderly in India. Gathering fifteen chapters written by leading researchers in the fields of geriatrics, social work, anthropology, sociology, psychiatry, economics, law and mental health, the book presents the latest findings on ageing-related topics such as elderly health, family change, old age homes, age friendly environments and the role of integrative medicine. Accordingly, it offers a valuable resource for researchers, academics, practitioners and policymakers in the areas of gerontology, demography and sociology, as well as all those interested in the study of ageing populations.

Dr. Mala Kapur Shankardass is a sociologist, gerontologist, health and development social scientist. She is also a teacher, writer, researcher, consultant and activist. She has been involved with ageing studies since 1992, when she began pursuing postdoctoral work on ageing issues. She has held prestigious assignments with various United Nations agencies, and with national and international institutions. She has participated in panel discussions, delivered keynote addresses and chaired sessions on ageing concerns with reputed organizations both in India and abroad. She has been awarded Fellowships for her contributions to gerontology around the world.