Elderly Women: Vulnerability And Support Structures

Of late, the situation of elderly women has globally attracted the attention of the civil society. Not only do they tend to outnumber their male counterparts, but also their morbidity pattern economic dependence and social situation entitle them to a concerted policy and programme attention. The situation of elderly women in India is no different. And added to this is the issue of vulnerability. This calls for an objective analysis of their situation which would, in turn, pave the way of effective intervention strategies.This in view, this book focuses on a cross-section of elderly women in nine states of India having a high proportion of BPL hourseholds, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh. Going deep into their socio-demographic background, it addresses issues pertaining to their livelihood, nutrition and health, interpersonal relations and vulnerability risks. It also presents a critical assessment of the awareness and availability of existing social security schemes meant to shield the elderly women from undeserved want and vulnerability. The book will be of interest to NGOs, social activists and researchers, as well as to policy-makers, social planners and social welfare functionaries.