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A Study on Socio-Economic Conditions and Existing Caregiver

Support System of Elderly in Migrated Families at Pallathur Village,

Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu

1Dr. M A. VELUSAMY, 2K. Gunavathi

1Professor and Head i/c, Department of Social Work, Alagappa University, Karaikudi -630003

2PhD - Research Scholar (Full Time), Department of Social, Work, Alagappa University, Karaikudi -

630003

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000163

Received: 22 October 2025; Accepted: 29 October 2025; Published: 11 November 2025

ABSTRACT

India is experiencing a rapid demographic transition characterized by a growing ageing population. The rising

number of elderly persons, especially in rural regions, presents complex socio-economic and caregiving

challenges. This paper explores the socio-economic conditions and the existing caregiver support systems of

elderly individuals residing in Pallathur Panchayat, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu. Using a Rapid Need

Assessment design, the study collected data from 200 elderly respondents through structured interviews. The

findings reveal that 81% of the respondents live below the poverty line, and 70% require support for daily living.

A significant 40% depend financially on their children, while only 18% receive any form of government benefit.

Digital literacy and awareness of insurance policies remain critically low. The study highlights the urgent need

for community-based elder care systems, family support, and sustainable welfare interventions tailored to the

unique socio-cultural setting of rural Tamil Nadu.

Keywords: Elderly, Socio-economic conditions, Caregiver support, Migration, Rural Tamil Nadu, Ageing

INTRODUCTION

The phenomenon of population ageing is one of the most significant social transformations of the twenty-first

century. According to the United Nations (2020), the global population aged 60 years and above is projected to

reach 2.1 billion by 2050. India, with its growing life expectancy and improved healthcare, is witnessing an

unprecedented rise in its elderly population, expected to reach 347 million by 2050, representing nearly 20% of

the total population (UNFPA & IIPS, 2023). While the demographic shift brings opportunities for “active

ageing,” it also poses challenges concerning income security, health care, and caregiving. The migration of

younger generations to urban areas or abroad has resulted in the increasing isolation of older adults, particularly

in rural communities. Pallathur, a village in Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu, serves as a microcosm of this issue,

reflecting both the resilience and vulnerabilities of rural elderly populations.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Several studies and reports highlight the socio-economic and health challenges faced by older adults in

developing nations. The World Economic and Social Survey (2007) emphasized that ageing will alter health

care systems, necessitating reforms in chronic illness and long-term care management. The World Report on

Ageing and Health (WHO, 2015) identified gaps in public health systems and the need for integrated,

community-based approaches. In India, the India Ageing Report (UNFPA & IIPS, 2023) outlines that 10.5% of

India’s population are aged 60 and above, expected to double by 2050. Rural ageing is marked by financial

insecurity, dependency, and limited awareness of welfare schemes. Dominelli (2012) and Pease (2020) have

stressed the importance of eco-social and rights-based frameworks in addressing the needs of elderly

populations. HelpAge India (2023) further noted that 40% of India’s elderly belong to the poorest wealth quintile,

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)

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and one-fifth have no income at all. In Tamil Nadu, demographic data show that elderly persons constitute

around 13% of the total population, with higher concentrations in urbanized districts such as Chennai and

Coimbatore.

METHODOLOGY

The study adopted a Rapid Need Assessment approach to identify socio-economic conditions and caregiving

needs of elderly individuals. This design facilitated quick yet reliable data collection at the community level.

The study was conducted in Pallathur Panchayat, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu. The village is known for its

Chettinad architecture and mid-sized population. As per census projections, elderly persons constitute around

1,300–1,500 individuals in Pallathur. A convenience sampling method was used, selecting 200 respondents aged

60 and above. The tool for data collection was a structured interview schedule, covering demographic details,

health, family structure, income, and caregiver support. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews by

field investigators and analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentage analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The Demographic Profile

The study revealed that 42% of the respondents were between 50–60 years, and 35% were between 61–70

years. The sex ratio showed a near balance, with 51% male and 49% female respondents.

Table 1: Demographic Profile

Variable

Percentage

Age 50–60

Age 61–70

Age 71–80

Above 80

Male

Female

Economic Status

Majority of the elderly population, nearly 81% of them fall below poverty line. This population is employed

through daily wage work and jobs like painting and repairing works in and around the region of Pallathur and in

the nearby towns of Karaikudi and Sivagangai. A meagre 19% of them fall above poverty line, but are still not

independent financially to satisfy their day-to-day needs.

Fig 1: Economic status

19%

81%

Economic status

APL

BPL

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Financial Dependency

40% of respondents are fully dependent on their children, 39% are self-reliant, and 21% are partially

dependent. Most elderly rely on remittances from migrated family members, indicating strong but limited

transnational ties.

Fig 2: Financial Dependency

Health and Medical Support

71.75% of respondents reported being active, 9.5% partially assisted, and 2.5% bedridden. Half of the

respondents take regular medication for chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. However, lack of

transport and healthcare access restrict routine medical visits.

Table 2: Health and Medical support

Indicator

Percentage

Active Elderly

71.75

Partially Assisted

9.5

Bedridden

2.5

Need Support

70.0

Have Insurance

13.0

Receive Govt Benefits

18.0

Living Arrangements and Caregiving

55% of them are living with spouse and 23.50% of them are living alone. 10.50% percent of them are being

taken care of part time paid caregiver. A meagre percent of 4% and 7% are living with full time paid caregiver

and also living with the families of their sons and daughters. Most of the houses are occupied by elderly male or

female or as couples.

39%

21%

40%

Level of financial dependency

Not at all dependent

partially dependent

completely dependent

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)

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Digital Literacy and Scheme Awareness

Only 16% of respondents know how to use smartphones, primarily for WhatsApp calls to their children.

Awareness about insurance and pension schemes is extremely low — 87% had no insurance coverage, and only

18% received benefits such as ration subsidies or cash assistance.

DISCUSSION

The data underline the precarious socio-economic position of rural elderly populations in Tamil Nadu. The

absence of sustained income, insufficient state support, and limited health awareness increase dependency levels.

Migration of younger family members exacerbates loneliness and neglect. The findings align with national

patterns of “care crisis” in ageing societies (UN, 2020). There is a pressing need to strengthen community-based

geriatric programs and integrate local governance mechanisms to reach the most vulnerable.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Establish community-based elder care centers through Panchayats and NGOs.

• Conduct awareness campaigns about pensions, insurance, and health programs.

• Train social workers and volunteers in geriatric care and counseling.

• Promote digital literacy among elderly persons to enhance connectivity.

• Encourage family-based and intergenerational support programs.

• Integrate home-based healthcare and nutritional programs into PHC services.

• Incorporate elderly welfare initiatives in CSR and local governance schemes.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that elderly persons in Pallathur Panchayat face multiple vulnerabilities—economic

insecurity, social isolation, and poor health access. With the migration of children and the erosion of traditional

caregiving systems, elders increasingly rely on irregular financial help and limited government schemes. The

research calls for the integration of community-based care systems and sustainable policies for ageing with

23.50%

55%

10.50% 7%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

Living Alone Living with spouse Living with a full

time paid

caregiver

Living alone a part

time paid

caregiver

Other

Percentage