COULD A JOINT FAMILY SET UP GIVE OUR SENIOR CITIZENS A BETTER LIFE?

I have been speculating on the values of a joint family system which, once upon a time, was popular in India. I have, with regret, realised that in the fast changing world of today, a joint family is no longer common. I will illustrate how secluded and divided the same society is, in present times.

An aged relative living abroad, preferred to be on her own and so opted to live in a complex where elderly people lived. However, obviously a day/night nurse was optional, perhaps because of the expenses involved. This person’s daughter and son in law were holidaying abroad and the younger daughter and husband were in highly demanding jobs.

It was one morning when the authorities, on a routine visit, found the bell not being responded to; they have another key, so quickly opened the door and entered the house. The lady was lying on the floor; she had passed away and the time of death was uncertain. The officials, of course instantly phoned the lady’s daughter.

A thought provoking incident and as relatives living here in India, one is assailed by a question: Was it not possible for the mother to live with a daughter? A feasible arrangement could be synchronized. Incidentally, the elder daughter and husband are retirees.

The lady’s elder sister and husband are living happily with their daughter and son in law, in the US. To juxtapose both situations, explain which of the two scenarios are preferable.