A STUDY OF PROBLEMS FACED BY SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE REASONS OF JOINING OLD AGE HOMES

Abstract

Population ageing has emerged as a significant social and public health concern worldwide. Rapid socio-economic transformations, including urbanization, migration, and the gradual weakening of traditional family support systems, have contributed to an increasing number of senior citizens residing in old age homes. The present study aimed to investigate the reasons for joining old age homes and the problems faced by senior citizens living in these institutional settings. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed. Data were collected from 95 senior citizens residing in five selected old age homes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi through a self-developed structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), and descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency distributions, bar charts, histograms, and pie charts were applied for data presentation. The findings revealed that the primary reasons for admission into old age homes included the absence of caregivers, family conflicts with children, lack of familial support, and personal choice. A substantial proportion of respondents reported infrequent or no visits from their children. Although most participants indicated satisfactory access to medical care, adequate nutrition, and generally stable physical health, many still experienced emotional loneliness, adjustment difficulties, chronic health conditions, and financial insecurity, particularly due to the absence of pension support. The study highlights the increasing vulnerabilities of older adults in contemporary society and underscores the need to strengthen family support systems, improve institutional elderly care services, and develop effective social welfare policies to enhance the overall quality of life of senior citizens residing in old age homes.