Breaking down the question
The question has two limbs. The first asks you to discuss the problems the elderly face in India; the second asks for the different perspectives on solving them. At 10 marks the answer must be economical — a focused account of the main problems, followed by the contrasting approaches to remedy, whether theoretical or policy-based.
The framing thread is that ageing has become a growing social concern in India because of rising life expectancy and the strains on the traditional joint family. The elderly are increasingly numerous just as the customary support system that once cared for them is weakening, and this mismatch is the root of most of their problems.
How to approach it
Open by noting the demographic reality — a rising share and absolute number of older people as life expectancy improves — and the social backdrop of the changing family. Then group the problems clearly: economic, health, social and psychological, and the special vulnerability of elderly women.
For the second limb, distinguish the perspectives on solutions. Contrast the sociological theories of ageing — disengagement and activity theory — with the practical approaches: familial and community care, and state provision through pensions, health care and legislation. Close with a brief integrative comment.
Model answer
Ageing has become a significant social issue in India. Improved life expectancy and declining mortality have steadily increased both the proportion and the absolute number of older people, even as the joint family that traditionally cared for them comes under strain from urbanisation, migration and nuclearisation. The result is that a growing elderly population faces a shrinking system of customary support, and from this mismatch most of their problems flow.
The problems are several and interlocking. Economically, many older people lack independent income; with retirement or loss of the capacity to work, and with only a minority covered by pensions, they become dependent on children whose own resources may be limited. Health problems mount with age — chronic illness, disability and the need for sustained care — yet geriatric services are scarce and costly, and the burden falls on families. Socially and psychologically, the elderly often suffer loss of authority and status within the changing family, loneliness and neglect, especially where adult children migrate for work and leave them behind. The death of a spouse deepens isolation. These difficulties press hardest on elderly women, who tend to outlive men, are more likely to be widowed, and frequently lack property, income or education of their own, leaving them doubly vulnerable.
On the question of solutions, several perspectives may be distinguished. Sociological theories of ageing offer contrasting orientations. Disengagement theory, associated with Elaine Cumming and William Henry, holds that a mutual withdrawal of the ageing individual and society from each other is natural and functional, easing the transfer of roles to the young. Activity theory, associated with Robert Havighurst, argues the opposite — that well-being in old age depends on remaining active and engaged, retaining roles and substituting new activities for those that are lost. The two imply very different remedies: the one accepts withdrawal, the other prescribes continued participation and inclusion.
Beyond theory lie practical approaches. The familial and community perspective looks to strengthening traditional support — reinforcing intergenerational bonds, the co-residence and care that the joint family once assured, and the moral obligation of children towards parents. The state and welfare perspective looks instead to institutional provision, holding that as the family weakens, society must assume responsibility through old-age pensions, subsidised health care, old-age homes, and legal protection. India has moved in this direction with measures such as the National Policy on Older Persons and legislation obliging children to maintain elderly parents, alongside pension schemes for the poor.
The perspectives are best seen as complementary rather than rival. The realistic path combines a revitalised family and community role with an expanded framework of state social security, so that the elderly are supported both by kin and by public provision, and enabled to remain active and respected members of society.
Examiner's perspective
At 10 marks the examiner wants both limbs of the question answered proportionately — a tidy classification of problems, then a genuine set of distinct perspectives on solutions, not a single undifferentiated appeal to look after the aged. Grouping the problems as economic, health, social-psychological and gendered signals structure.
The stronger script shows range in the second limb: the contrast between disengagement and activity theory, set beside the familial and the state-welfare approaches, with brief reference to Indian policy. A closing note that the approaches are complementary demonstrates balance, and precise, British-spelt prose within the word limit secures the top band.