As the nation grapples with a forthcoming caregiver deficit, stories emerge of resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of communal living among elderly immigrants
In a shifting landscape of aging in America, senior Indians find solace in the concept of ‘Apnapan,’ a deep sense of belonging rooted in familial and cultural connections. As the nation grapples with a forthcoming caregiver deficit, stories emerge of resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of communal living among elderly immigrants, India Currents reported.
India Currents cited Seetha Appana, who arrived in the U.S. thirty-one years ago from Chennai, India, to live with her daughter and family after she retired.
Seetha Appana, a stalwart at 96, embodies the essence of ‘Apnapan’ in upstate New York, surrounded by a network of family, friends, and well-wishers. Her journey from Chennai to the U.S. over three decades ago mirrors a common trajectory among elderly Indian immigrants, who often reunite with their adult children for companionship and care in their twilight years.
In a world marked by change, the quest for ‘Apnapan’ remains a timeless pursuit, bridging past and present in the journey of aging with dignity and grace
Anthropological studies shed light on the evolving experiences of Indian elders in the U.S., distinguishing between early-life immigrants and later-life arrivals. While the former carve paths of independence, the latter lean on familial support to navigate American life. Yet, both groups share a fundamental need for communal living, seeking environments that echo the sights, sounds, and scents of home.
For individuals like Geetha Iyengar, the transition to senior living communities becomes a quest for familiarity and community. Rejecting conventional American facilities, Iyengar sought solace in spaces like Priya Living, where Indian-inspired surroundings evoke a sense of belonging and offer avenues for cultural engagement.
The yearning for ‘Apnapan’ transcends physical borders, encompassing language, food, and shared experiences. As older adults weave narratives of resilience and adaptation, their stories underscore the enduring power of community in fostering well-being and combating social isolation. In a world marked by change, the quest for ‘Apnapan’ remains a timeless pursuit, bridging past and present in the journey of aging with dignity and grace.
***********************************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com