Emerging old folk home trend in developing Asia: case of Pakistan

Purpose – The purpose of this study to highlight the changing living patterns in the Pakistani community
from joint family to nuclear family setup which is becoming the main reason for the loss of days when
family members used to be responsible for elderly care. The ageing population in Pakistan are suffering
from severe health and care issues. The Pakistani society, which once used to consider the senior citizen
as a blessing now started considering them as a forced liability.
Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts the qualitative research strategy and interviews
conducted in the local language with five women and men elderly each residing in old folk homes.
Findings – The study revealed that the main reasons behind increasing old folk trends in Pakistan are
lack of family support, migration of children, less community awareness, economic issues, loneliness,
dementia and invasion of western culture.
Originality/value – This study adopts the qualitative research strategy and interviews conducted in the
local language with five women and men elderly each residing in old folk homes. The study revealed that the
main reasons behind increasing old folk trends in Pakistan are lack of family support, migration of children,
less community awareness, economic issues, loneliness, dementia and invasion of western culture.