Intergenerational family relations and support of elderly in India: a field-based study in Kerala state

Daliya Sebastian, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
T.V. Sekher, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Traditionally family is the most important institution for supporting aged in India. The Indian families are in a transition from joint to nuclear families. Majority of elderly are still living with children, there are significant changes in quality of interaction. In this context, the paper tries to examine the changes in intergenerational family relations and support of elderly by using data from national sample survey and a primary survey of 300 elderly in Kerala State. Around 55 percent of elderly have daily interactions with whom they are staying with and 66 percent spend time with their grandchildren. Around 71 percent of economically dependent aged is supported by children. 50 percent of elderly are hopeful that their children will support them in future. The findings indicate that intergenerational family relations are undergoing considerable changes and government and other agencies need to evolve appropriate support mechanisms for the welfare of elderly.