Page 57 - HUDCO NASA DESIGN TROPHY 2020

HISTORY OF SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OLD AGE HOMES AND SENIOR CITIZEN
Until about a decade ago, elderly Indians—either by choice HOUSING
or by the wishes of their family—rarely left the nuclear fold of
the family even in advanced old age. Many elderly people now
have sufficient monetary reserves and have begun valuing their
independence even after retirement.

Fifteen years ago, India was not culturally ready for children
to have their senior parents live separately. But now the
circumstances are such that the children move to other countries
or cities, for their career and their parents stay alone.

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Serene, tranquil and calm—that’s the kind of life most people desire post
retirement. Billed as the idyllic retreat for one’s later years, senior citizen
homes are fast gaining traction among those who desire an independent
lifestyle away from the humdrum of city life.

Already a popular concept in the West, the trend of retirement
communities is beginning to find a market in the Indian context.

But are such retirement communities suited for a market
such as India that thrives on sentimental values? Definitely
yes, the concept of retirement homes is culturally sensitive
to places like India, as there are several factors that are likely
to contribute to a shift in this pattern.

“Young at heart, slightly older in other places.”

CITATION | Z319 DR D Y PATIL PRATISHTHAN’S DR D Y PATIL COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, PUNE | 43