Beyond Economics: Noneconomic Contributions of Elderly
摘要
Realizing the worthy contributions by the elderly helps to construct a society for all ages. Engagement of elder generation in multiple activities not only benefit the elderly but also others. But most of the contributions made by the elderly in the family space and in the community go as invisible just because there is no monetary value attached to the same. Drawing on quantitative data from BKPAI (Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India, 2011) and qualitative data from field studies, this chapter tries to examine the ways in which older people are involved in various activities through which they benefit others in their household. Many elderly persons actively engage in caregiving, household-based tasks, and volunteering. Involvement as grandparents and helps in household matters and as volunteers ensure solidarity between generations and help to fight against the negative stenotypes associated with old age. This means that when older generation caters to the needs of the younger generation. Acknowledging the contributions of elder generation would help to make a more age-inclusive humanity that does not pit one generation against the other.