Scientific Welfare and Lonely Old People: The Development of Old-Age Homes

Author(s):  
Shaul Stampfer

This chapter traces the historical development of Jewish old-age homes to examine the place of the elderly in the Jewish family, along with broader issues of communal organization. Traditionally, the social welfare needs of the indigent or the ill in east European Jewish communities were attended to directly in their homes. However, a number of changes in the conditions of Jewish life made old-age homes increasingly necessary. In many respects, the interest in homes for the aged was actually indicative of an increased sense of responsibility of the Jewish community vis-à-vis the elderly. The Jewish family per se was not weakening; rather, organized communities now undertook to supply services that were once left to individuals. The perceived need for homes for the aged reflected not only the increasing number of elderly, but also much higher expectations for their support. Not surprisingly, this process took place in different places at different times, depending on the course of modernization and local conditions. Despite the limited success of homes for the aged in serving a wide population, many did provide an impressive service.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-141
Author(s):  
Sharada Devi Sharma

Old-age homes are Sanyas Ashrams in Vedic philosophy. Sanyas Ashram is the preparation of death and it teaches the art of death. It is the university of art of death of old and experienced people who can share the knowledge and experiences of their lifetime achievements. The main objective of the study is to examine the socio economic and cultural status of old-age people living in Deveghat pilgrimage areas. It is a mini ethnography study based on field visit observation, focus group discussion and unstructured interview. I conclude that the old-age homes of Devghat are normal in-terms of the lifestyle of the elderly living there, their happiness level and the facility provided to them. Lastly the major reasons behind them coming to the old-age home was rather found to be in a mixed bag form as some came there due to the social reasons and economic reasons and some due to their faith in god and in belief of getting peace after death. But it has long way to go to make like a heaven type of Sanyas Ashram. At least it must be like a Vrindavan with entire worldly facilities of learning and sharing of knowledge production university.


Author(s):  
Divya Raj ◽  
Subramaniam Santhi ◽  
G. J. Sara Sapharina

AbstractObjectivesThis study finds out the effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing in old age homes.MethodsThe non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Wechsler's memory scale (WMS-IV) and Geriatric depression scale (GDS) were the instruments used to assess the memory and depression among elderly during the pretest and posttest, respectively and the researcher had developed data sheet to collect information about the background variables using interview technique.ResultsThe neurobic exercise program was found to be effective in reducing depression among elderly residing in old age homes. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the level of depression had been found during the pretest and posttest in the interventional group. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) found between the study group and in the control group. There was significant correlation (r=0.417, p<0.05) found between the memory and depression during the pretest in the study group among the elderly. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) found in the mean scores of depression and marital status of the elderly during the pretest in the study group and there was a significant association (p<0.01) found in the mean scores of depression and the gender of the elderly during the pretest and posttest in the non interventional group were found.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that neurobic exercise program is an effective intervention in improving memory and reducing depression.


2020 ◽  
pp. 30-32
Author(s):  
Divya Gaur ◽  
J. ManoRanjini ◽  
Grace Madonna Singh

Ageing is a phase when an individual faces many physical and psychological changes with the passing of years that ultimately affects their life style and their health status also1. Psychological problems and changes in psychological health can directly affect daily activities of the person as he or she will not be able to carry out those activities with their full potential. And due to the less awareness and information about the psychological problems and treatment, they lack to access the services and treatment properly3. Method- Quantitative research approach was adopted; total 61 participants were selected through Consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected by administering Socio- demographic Performa, and Ryff’s Psychological well being scale. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result- In the present study the psychological well being of people residing in elderly homes before the intervention was assessed using interview method. Results shows that majority of sample (91.8%) had good psychological well being , followed by average (8.19%) psychological well being during pre- intervention assessment. Where the post intervention level of psychological well being was found very good in 100% sample. Conclusion- The study concludes that the elderly who are residing in retirement homes without family have some sort of decrease in psychological well being for many reasons they are not able to adjust in the demographic shift and lose their well being. After getting involved in activities, elderly psychological well being was improved to some extent. For all the elderly living in selected old age homes, it’s found that getting involved in group task or activities is a good and effective way to overcome the situation, and it has helped to improved their psychological wellbeing.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waris Qidwai ◽  
Imdad Ali Khushk ◽  
Fizzah Farooq ◽  
Muhammad Yusuf Hafiz ◽  
Kashmira Nanji

Background: Worldwide, some one million people pass the sixty year old threshold every month (Ageing, WHO). Between 2010 and 2050, the number of older people in less developed countries is projected to increase. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in Outpatient clinics (OPD) of two hospitals in Karachi from April to May 2013. Elderly (> 60 years of age) visiting the clinics were consecutively recruited. 477 elderly were approached and a pretested, structured questionnaire was used to obtain information. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19 and Pearson chi-square test was used to identify the factors related to choosing of "Old Age Homes". Results: A total of 400 participants were selected. Fifty-five percent of the elderly were in between 60 to 65 years of age and majority was males 54.8 percent. Elderly were aware of the presence of "Old Age Homes" in Pakistan, however only 7 percent choose to live in there. The main reason was found to be that the elderly did not want to go away from their families and loved ones. Conclusion: In conclusion, majority of the participants felt insecure to live in a home with strangers. However, "Old Age Homes" were preferred choice for those with chronic diseases or those living alone. Media should initiate public education programs to reduce social stigmas in seeking alternate long-term care services outside of the family.


Author(s):  
Shaul Stampfer

This chapter assesses whether the traditional Jewish family in eastern Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was patriarchal. In traditional east European Jewish families, authority over children was not monopolized by fathers; mothers also had a great deal of authority over minor children. Fathers often spent more hours a day out of the house than did mothers, and often they had to work far from their homes. As such, mothers usually determined what went on at home, and even when this was in accordance with their husbands' wishes, it does not imply that it was under their husbands' authority. Perhaps the greatest potential for paternal authority can be found in the marital patterns of their children. Meanwhile, in the area of relations between the male head of the family and his wife in traditional east European Jewish families, male authority could not be taken for granted and male heads of families could not simply force wives to do their bidding. The chapter then defines patriarchy, arguing that the dynamics of the traditional Jewish families in eastern Europe complicate the utility of the term.


Author(s):  
Shaul Stampfer

This chapter examines the subject of love and the family within east European Jewish life. In the nineteenth century, almost every aspect of Jewish life was transformed in one way or another. The structures of Jewish family life in eastern Europe and the place of love and affection in these frameworks were no exceptions. However, to a greater degree than many today realize, there was also a great deal of continuity between what was accepted in traditional Ashkenazi Jewish family life and in the lives of their descendants. In some cases, the attention given to atypical lives of famous and exceptional individuals has led to a skewed picture of the past. Similarly, superficial views of traditional family dynamics have created a distorted picture of what life was like in traditional east European Jewish society. Looking at love and family life in their fullness and as part of the general social environment is one of the best ways to correct these errors and to arrive at a balanced view of realities and developments. Because marriage and love within the context of family life is a very broad subject, the chapter focuses on four major topics: courtship and marriage formation; marital roles and expectations; parenthood; and remarriage.


Author(s):  
Robert M. Seltzer

This chapter studies the role that Hasidism played in the thought of the modernized Jewish intelligentsia of Eastern Europe toward the end of the 19th century. Simon Dubnow played a pivotal role in the emergence of this new image of Hasidism. In his autobiography, Dubnow describes in some detail the influence on him at that time of Leo Tolstoy and Ernest Renan. The influence of Renan's History of Christianity is quite evident in the structure of Dubnow's History of Hasidism as well as in some of Dubnow's solutions to problems of interpretation. Like Renan, Dubnow opened with a discussion of the social and intellectual background of a movement that can be traced to a founder known only for a long time through oral sources which retained the character of legend or saga. Applying Renan's statement that such pious biographies have a historical core, Dubnow stripped the life of the Baal Shem Tov, as recorded in the Shivhei ha-Besht, of its supernatural elements to reveal a simple, humble man who loved nature, especially the forests of the Carpathian mountains; a man who had immense affection for the common people and disdain for the proud, aloof scholars of his time and who preached a lofty doctrine of religious pantheism and universal brotherhood.


Author(s):  
Samina Vertejee ◽  
Saleema Allana ◽  
Rozina Somani ◽  
Saher Aijaz

Abstract Objectives: The growing number of older people due to demographic transition is paving the way for non-governmental organizations and the private sector for mushrooming of old age homes (OAHs). These homes function either free or fee for services, and the services provided at these OAHs determines the quality of life of older people. The aim of the study was to explore the stakeholders’ perception on the quality of services offered to people living in OAHs. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was used to explore stakeholders’ perception of elderly living experiences in old age homes. Three OAH were selected through purposive sampling for the study. Data collected from February –March 2015 through the structured interview guide. Participants’ for FGDs were recruited through universal sampling, while purposive sampling was used for KIIs selection. Researcher ensured all ethical considerations for entire study period. Results: Two major themes were drawn including the reasons and experiences of older people living in OAH, secondly the need for caregivers’ academic competencies. Majority of KIIs and FGDs reported common responses under the two themes. Also the elderly experiences varied from living comfortable to being depressed. KIIs and caregivers’ FGD participants’ strongly urged the need for caregivers’ training and institutional accreditation. Conclusion: In conclusion, the older people experiences challenges of living in OAHs, therefore the study findings strongly proposes community support system and credentialing of the caregivers for age appropriate care. Continuous...  


1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-169
Author(s):  
Eszter Kárpáti

AbstractI was brought up in an East European Jewish family where jokes and anecdotes are necessary elements of every conversation. I must have been around seven years old when I heard my aunt telling a joke to my mother about two funny-named men, Sisyphus and Oedipus. I was a "perceptive kid" - as my grandmother used to call me - who normally understood jokes, even those which I was not supposed to. This one, however, made no sense to me. I could have just given up upon it, but those names fascinated me: Sisyphus and Oedipushad never heard of them before. So I asked my mother who these two people were and if she would explain the joke to me. As it soon turned out, it was one of those "nicht vor dem Kind"1 jokes, playing on Freudian connotations. However, I was used to the openness-policy of my father, so I expected an honest explanation. My mother had no difficulties in explaining the story of Sisyphus: a child of that age can easily relate to someone who tries to achieve something that is seemingly impossible to do. But how can anyone explain the story of Oedipus to a seven-year-old? That was the first time I heard the name Oedipus. It is only now, many years later, that I finally understand Oedipus' story, too.


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