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.
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