Abstract

Elderly care is becoming a pressing socio-economic issue in India as demographic shifts migration and family structural changes redefine traditional caregiving patterns. While joint family systems historically ensured strong intergenerational support the rise of nuclear families urbanization and globalization have disrupted these arrangements. Urban elderly increasingly depend on institutional support systems while rural elderly rely on familial ties amidst shrinking community networks. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities of elderly care in India analyzing differences between urban and rural contexts and suggests pathways for inclusive sustainable eldercare policies.