By Dr. Kumar Mahabir

Traditionally, Indian culture emphasized strong family bonds with children expected to care for their aging parents. However, migration, Western influences and modern lifestyles have reshaped these expectations, leading to challenges in balancing tradition with contemporary realities.

The following are excerpts from an Indo-Caribbean Cultural Centre (ICC) Thought Leaders’ Forum (23/03/2025). The ZOOM program explored the evolving dynamics of elder care in Indian communities in the Diaspora. The objective was to address cultural values, caregiving options, and the emotional and financial responsibilities families face, in supporting elderly relatives while adapting to new societal norms.

The program was chaired by Shakira Mohommed and moderated by Shalima Mohammed, both from Trinidad. It was supported by Ashook Ramsaran, President of the Indian Diaspora Council. The topic was “Family Responsibility for the Elderly in the Indian Diaspora.” There were (4) speakers in the program. See the unedited recording of the program: https://www.youtube.com/@dmahab/streams.

SUNITHA SINGH (of South Africa) said: “Family support, community, religious support and cultural organizations play a significant role in providing social and emotional support to elderly individuals. Many religious institutions organize gatherings, prayer meetings and cultural events where elders can connect with their peers, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Strengthening intergenerational bonds and open communication between generations is essential in maintaining family values. Encouraging discussions about elder care expectations, financial planning and emotional support can help families develop sustainable caregiving solutions.

“Family responsibility for the elderly remains a cornerstone of the Indian diaspora in South Africa. Traditional caregiving practices have been challenged by modern economic and social factors. Many families continue to honour their elders through a combination of traditional values and innovative solutions. By blending cultural heritage with contemporary caregiving methods, families can ensure that the elderly members receive the respect, dignity and care they deserve. Ultimately, the strength of a community is reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”

SUMAN KAPOOR (of New Zealand, born in India) said: “It is important to understand how elder abuse and neglect occur. Abuse can take many forms - physical, mental, psychological, emotional, financial, social, sexual and institutional. Physical abuse can be identified through signs like bruises, scratches or sprains. Mental and psychological abuse includes controlling who the elder speaks to or spends time with. That may seem like a small thing, but for an elderly person, it can have a profound impact. Emotional abuse is also significant. Cases where elderly individuals are not even given the food they enjoy, like halwa, a soft, sweet dish that many prefer, especially if they have dental issues and can't chew hard food. Denying them these small comforts is a form of emotional neglect. Being spoken to with abusive and disrespectful language can deeply wound them. Denying them the freedom to visit places also has serious psychological effects. Financial abuse involves the misuse or control of an elders’ money or assets without their consent. I would like to conclude by saying ‘Life is full of brightness, and even in those golden years, elders have the full right to be at their best for what they have done in their life.”

VISHNU MAHADEO (of the USA, originally from Guyana) said: “The diaspora, in the United States, is witnessing a unique situation where many of our seniors choose not to return to their home countries. One of the main reasons for this is the quality of care they receive here, as well as the fact that they are no longer seen as a financial burden to their children. This has become a significant factor in the decision to let them stay in the U.S., and many of our seniors remain here until they pass away. When proper services are provided to our elders, it greatly enhances their quality of life as they age. Their children tend to give them more attention, because, in many cases, they receive financial support from the state to do so. As I mentioned earlier, parents become the focus, not a burden. These structures are helping us preserve and even strengthen our Indian traditions. We should be very proud of that, and it's a model that deserves to be replicated in other countries as well.”

SUNITA RAMNARINE-MOHAMMED of Trinidad said: “Child /Elderly care, compassion, empathy and love have been taughtmainly through multigenerational households as in V.S. Naipaul’s novel A House for Mr. Biswas. The political issues arising out of the multigenerational household culture, education, and greater affluence have modernized that style of living. As the diaspora spreads and we move from living as a multigenerational family unit to single family households, many times the elderly may be living alone. Healthy individuals enjoy and prefer their independence even as they become older. The Bhagavad Gita empowers us on how to care for ourselves in order to maintain health and wellbeing as one ages.”

Correspondence - Dr Kumar Mahabir, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean. WhatsApp +1 868 756 4961. E-mail: dmahabir@gmail.com