India's Elderly A Multidisciplinary Dimension

India is a country with fine tradition of respecting, loving and supporting the aged. As a result of urbanization and globalization, the values and life styles are changing which are affecting the care of the aged. Though ageing has many aspects but primary ones fall into four major categories, biological-physiological, psychological-behavioral, socio-economic and anthropological. Unfortunately, the researches on ageing has so far concerned itself only with the physiological factors, almost totally neglecting the highly influential intrinsic conditions, which we see now as the problems of the aged. The question is how should we synthesize technological development with human value in Indian society? The experience of the western world caution us to plan for the care of the aged as part of the directed social change, as well as to study the problem. This further strengthens our ideas that the problem is multi-facetted. To solve this multidisciplinary approach is needed for planning for the welfare of India?s elderly. The present volume highlights that each applied discipline is important when development plans are drawn at different levels, the potentialities of the contribution of the aged should be taken into account. This will provide them with a will to live with holistic attitude. This volume would provide guidelines to Social Scientists, Gerontologists, Medical Scientists, Life Scientists, Planners, Policy Makers and Social Workers for developing action and academic programmes for the cause and care of elderly population in urban, rural and tribal areas of the country. Our efforts in bringing out this volume will be duly rewarded if the knowledge, understanding and experience of various scholars and experts reflects in it are shared by Thinkers, Freelance activists, Policy makers & Planners, Public men, Trustees, Administrators, Development experts, Technologists, and Social Workers initiating more & more action programmes for the cause & care of the India?s elderly.