It was with interest and a little yelling at the TV screen that I watched the second series of BBCs ‘Real Marigold Hotel’. The TV ‘reality’ show where U.K. celebrities, armed with a TV crew venture to the south Indian state of Kerala to explore retirement in India. Viewers were treated to panoramic views and sumptuously expensive penthouse apartments. Yet less than 10% of older people in India live this way. 90% of the population do not retire and have to work into late old age until disability or illness stops them earning a living. When this happens, there is no choice but depend on others like family for their physical and economic needs. However, millions of older people in India do not have families meaning many are forced into destitution or are institutionalised in free residential care…if there is any space. Whilst India is experiencing an unprecedented development in fee-charging residential care, this type of living arrangement is only available to healthy older people in receipt of incomes. Destitute and disabled older people without family support face choices between fending for themselves (a tender way of saying ‘ begging on the streets’) or else waiting for an available space at a charity-run care home. It was with frustration that I watched the BBC film crew deftly manoeuvre themselves out of the way of an Indian older woman holding out her hand in an act of begging. Sadly, the celebrities ignored her too and worryingly, British viewers were spared the harsh reality for life as an older person in a different culture.
The (Not) Real Marigold Hotel – older people in India
28 Tuesday Mar 2017
Yes ,Having visited India I am familiar with the crushing poverty of that country and the harsh reality of life for many destitute elderly Indians . However , it also has to be said that The Indian culture represent s one of the most corrupt countries on earth . And when I have frequently given money to elderly beggars I could not help but wonder if they were genuine or not !
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Hello Keith,
I can’t comment whether India is ‘one of the most corrupt countries on earth’ but I can tell you that in the absence of any public welfare, the plight of destitute and disabled older people is very real one. The majority of the population do not receive pensions but for destitute older people above the age of 60 there is the Indira Gandhi Pension Scheme (a paltry Rs 300/month (or £3.70). One could buy a bowl of hot food for Rs 20 but the IGPS would only buy 15 bowls and wouldn’t cover rent, clothing or medicine etc.
The United Nations sets the international extreme poverty line at $1.25 a day which would equate to Rs 81.31/day or Rs 2,439/month.
So, please be rest assured that your donations would have been gratefully received!
Thank you for your observation and comment Keith
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